Sorbent used to improve chromatographic separations in size exclusion chromatography via reduced secondary interactions

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure is directed to stationary phase materials (e.g., porous inorganic-organic hybrid particles) for performing size exclusion chromatography. Embodiments of the present disclosure feature hydroxy-terminated polyethylene glycol surface modified stationary phase materials.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application claims the priority and benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/079,301 filed on Sep. 16, 2020 and entitled “Sorbent Used to Improve Chromatographic Separations in Size Exclusion Chromatography Via Reduced Secondary Interactions”, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to stationary phase materials for performing size exclusion chromatography. Particularly, the disclosure relates to stationary phase material comprising porous particles having a hydroxy-terminated polyethylene glycol modified surface.

BACKGROUND

Size exclusion chromatography (SEC) is a common separation technique that employs differences in hydrodynamic radii to separate solubilized analytes on an immobilized stationary phase. In theory, perfect SEC separates exclusively based on the hydrodynamic radii; however, secondary interactions, such as ionic and hydrophobic interactions, can cause undesired effects including peak broadening, tailing, and loss of resolution and separation efficiency. For separations of biopharmaceutical materials, such as monoclonal antibodies, antibody drug conjugates, or fusion proteins, these secondary interactions result in a significant analytical challenge. Traditional approaches to reduce these secondary interactions include the addition of salts, such as sodium or potassium chloride, or the inclusion of organic co-solvents, such as methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, or acetonitrile. However, there is no universal solution for all target analytes, and each desired separation requires optimization of mobile phase components. Mobile phase optimization is generally tedious, time consuming, and lacks ease of use for novice users.

Polar surface modifications are introduced onto the stationary phases used in SEC in order to minimize non-specific secondary interactions, providing high efficiency and the ability to remain unaffected by variations in method parameters. The commonly used surface modifications are diol and polyethylene glycol-based bondings and coatings. While these surface modifications can reduce secondary interactions for size exclusion separations, they have their own drawbacks. The major drawback of diol-bonded/coated surfaces is the continued existence of hydrophobic secondary interactions and the related requirement of mobile phase development.

Surface modification with polyethylene glycols (PEGs), also referred to as polyethylene oxides (PEOs), is another common strategy used to reduce non-specific interactions, and such modified materials have been incorporated into many different products and platforms. This ubiquity is partially due to performance and partly due to facile manipulation of the strategy. PEGs are amenable to both two- and three-dimensional situations, affording coverage of material such as porous particles used in SEC. PEGs create a hydration layer that works to repel non-specific interactions, including both ionic and hydrophobic. They provide a more effective resistance against non-specific secondary interactions compared to diol-bonded surfaces. On the other hand, the most common bonded phases, methoxy-terminated PEGs, can cause poor peak shape and low efficiency in SEC.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure is generally directed to stationary phase materials for performing size exclusion chromatography. In general, the stationary phase materials have been surface modified with a polyethylene glycol (PEG), and are hydroxy-terminated. Surprisingly, according to the present disclosure, it has been found that hydroxy-terminated polyethylene glycol surface modified particles provide SEC separations with reduced analyte secondary interactions, and a reduced dependence on buffers, pHs, and column temperatures.

Accordingly, in one aspect is provided a stationary phase material comprising porous particles having a surface, at least some substantial portion thereof modified with a hydroxy-terminated polyethylene glycol (PEG), wherein the porous particles comprise an inorganic/organic hybrid material. These stationary phase materials can be used for size exclusion chromatography.

In some embodiments, the porous particles comprise inorganic-organic hybrid particles having an empirical formula of SiO₂(O_(1.5)SiCH₂CH₂SiO_(1.5))_(0.25).

In some embodiments, the porous particles have a diameter with a mean size distribution from about 1 to about 50 μm. In some embodiments, the porous particles have a diameter with a mean size distribution from about 1 to about 20 μm. In some embodiments, the porous particles have a diameter with a mean size distribution from about 1.5 to about 5 μm.

In some embodiments, the porous particles have an average pore size from about 40 to about 1000 Å. In some embodiments, the porous particles have an average pore size from about from about 40 to about 500 Å. In some embodiments, the porous particles have an average pore size from about 100 to about 300 Å.

In some embodiments, the hydroxy-terminated polyethylene glycol has a formula

wherein:

-   -   m is an integer from about 1 to about 10;     -   n is an integer from about 2 to about 50; and     -   wherein the wavy lines indicate points of attachment to the         surface of the porous particles.

In some embodiments, m is 2 or 3. In some embodiments, n is from about 5 to about 15, or from about 8 to about 12. In some embodiments, m is 3 and n is from about 8 to about 12.

In some embodiments, the hydroxy-terminated polyethylene glycol is present on the surface of the porous particles at a density from about 0.5 to about 15 μmol/m². In some embodiments, the hydroxy-terminated polyethylene glycol is present on the surface of the porous particles at a density from about 0.5 to about 5.0 μmol/m², or from about 1.0 to about 2.0 μmol/m².

In another aspect is provided a stationary phase material for size exclusion chromatography, the stationary phase material consisting essentially of porous inorganic/organic hybrid material particles having a surface, wherein at least some substantial portion thereof is modified with a hydroxy-terminated polyethylene glycol (PEG). That is, such embodiments specifically exclude the presence of non-hydroxy-terminated PEG, such as methoxy-terminated PEG coatings.

In some embodiments, the porous inorganic-organic hybrid particles having an empirical formula of SiO₂(O_(1.5)SiCH₂CH₂SiO_(1.5))_(0.25).

In some embodiments, the porous particles have a diameter with a mean size distribution from about 1 to about 50 μm. In some embodiments, the porous particles have a diameter with a mean size distribution from about 1 to about 20 μm. In some embodiments, the porous particles have a diameter with a mean size distribution from about 1.5 to about 5 μm.

In some embodiments, the porous particles have an average pore size from about 40 to about 1000 Å. In some embodiments, the porous particles have an average pore size from about from about 40 to about 500 Å. In some embodiments, the porous particles have an average pore size from about 100 to about 300 Å.

In some embodiments, the hydroxy-terminated polyethylene glycol has a formula

wherein:

-   -   m is an integer from about 1 to about 10;     -   n is an integer from about 2 to about 50; and     -   wherein the wavy lines indicate points of attachment to the         surface of the porous particles.

In some embodiments, m is 2 or 3. In some embodiments, n is from about 5 to about 15, or from about 8 to about 12. In some embodiments, m is 3 and n is from about 8 to about 12.

In some embodiments, the hydroxy-terminated polyethylene glycol is present on the surface of the porous particles at a density from about 0.5 to about 15 μmol/m². In some embodiments, the hydroxy-terminated polyethylene glycol is present on the surface of the porous particles at a density from about 0.5 to about 5.0 μmol/m², or from about 1.0 to about 2.0 μmol/m².

In some embodiments, at least a portion of the surface of the porous particles modified with the hydroxy-terminated polyethylene glycol comprises a structure represented by one of formulae

In yet another aspect is provided a stationary phase material for size exclusion chromatography, the stationary phase material comprising porous particles having a surface, at least some substantial portion thereof modified with a hydroxy-terminated polyethylene glycol (PEG), wherein the porous particles comprise an inorganic/organic hybrid material, and at least a portion of the surface of the porous particles is modified with a methoxy-terminated polyethylene glycol reagent.

In some embodiments, the porous particles comprise inorganic-organic hybrid particles having an empirical formula of SiO₂(O_(1.5)SiCH₂CH₂SiO_(1.5))_(0.25).

In some embodiments, the porous particles have a diameter with a mean size distribution from about 1 to about 50 μm. In some embodiments, the porous particles have a diameter with a mean size distribution from about 1 to about 20 μm. In some embodiments, the porous particles have a diameter with a mean size distribution from about 1.5 to about 5 μm.

In some embodiments, the porous particles have an average pore size from about 40 to about 1000 Å. In some embodiments, the porous particles have an average pore size from about 40 to about 500 Å. In some embodiments, the porous particles have an average pore size from about 100 to about 300 Å.

In some embodiments, the hydroxy-terminated polyethylene glycol has a formula

wherein:

-   -   m is an integer from about 1 to about 10;     -   n is an integer from about 2 to about 50; and     -   wherein the wavy lines indicate points of attachment to the         surface of the porous particles.

In some embodiments, m is 2 or 3. In some embodiments, n is from about 5 to about 15, or from about 8 to about 12. In some embodiments, m is 3 and n is from about 8 to about 12.

In some embodiments, the hydroxy-terminated polyethylene glycol is present on the surface of the porous particles at a density from about 0.5 to about 15 μmol/m². In some embodiments, the hydroxy-terminated polyethylene glycol is present on the surface of the porous particles at a density from about 0.5 to about 5.0 μmol/m², or from about 1.0 to about 2.0 μmol/m².

In some embodiments, modification with the methoxy-terminated polyethylene glycol is treatment with a methoxy-terminated polyethylene glycol reagent having a formula

wherein:

-   -   at least one of R₁, R₂, and R₃ is OMe, OEt, Cl, or N(CH₃)₂;     -   m is an integer from about 1 to about 10; and     -   n is an integer from about 2 to about 20.

In some embodiments, m is 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10. In some embodiments, m is 2 or 3. In some embodiments, m is 3 (i.e., propyl).

In some embodiments, n is from about 5 to about 15. In some embodiments, n is from about 6 to about 12, such as from about 6 to about 9.

In some embodiments, the methoxy-terminated PEG reagent is 2-[methoxy(polyethyleneoxy)₆₋₉propyl]trichlorosilane or 2-[methoxy(polyethyleneoxy)₆₋₉propyl]tris(dimethylamino)silane.

In another aspect is provided a column comprising the stationary phase material as described herein, the column having an interior for accepting the stationary phase material.

In some embodiments, as compared to a reference column having a stationary phase comprising porous particles which do not have a hydroxy-terminated polyethylene glycol modified surface, the column provides one or more of:

-   -   a reduction in ionic secondary interactions of analytes with the         stationary phase material in SEC separations performed on said         column;     -   a reduction in hydrophobic secondary interactions of analytes         with the stationary phase material in SEC separations performed         on said column;     -   a reduced dependence on mobile phase pH in SEC separations         performed on said column;     -   a reduced dependence on column temperature in SEC separations         performed on said column; and     -   wherein said reductions are determined by an improvement in peak         shape as calculated from USP Peak Tailing, Asymmetry @ 4.4, Peak         Width @ 50%, or a combination thereof.

In some embodiments, as compared to a reference column having a stationary phase comprising porous particles which do not have a hydroxy-terminated polyethylene glycol modified surface, the column provides enhanced peak resolution in SEC separations performed on said column; enhanced reproducibility of SEC separations performed on said column; or a combination thereof.

In a still further aspect is provided a method of preparing a stationary phase material for size exclusion chromatography, the stationary phase having a surface at least some substantial portion thereof modified with a hydroxy-terminated polyethylene glycol, the method comprising:

-   -   providing a stationary phase material comprising porous         particles comprising an inorganic/organic hybrid or a polymer;     -   contacting the stationary phase material with a         hydroxy-terminated polyethylene glycol reagent having the         formula

wherein:

-   -   at least one of R₁, R₂, and R₃ is OMe, OEt, Cl, or N(CH₃)₂;     -   m is an integer from about 1 to about 10; and     -   n is an integer from about 2 to about 50,     -   to form a reaction mixture; and     -   treating the reaction mixture with an aqueous hydrolysis         solution to surface modify     -   at least some substantial portion of the surface of the porous         particles.

In some embodiments, the porous particles comprise an inorganic/organic hybrid material. In some embodiments, the porous particles comprise inorganic-organic hybrid particles having an empirical formula of SiO₂(O_(1.5)SiCH₂CH₂SiO_(1.5))_(0.25).

In some embodiments, R₁, R₂, and R₃ are each OMe, OEt, Cl, or N(CH₃)₂. In some embodiments, R₁, R₂, and R₃ are each OMe or are each OEt, and wherein contacting further comprises adding a catalyst to the reaction mixture.

In some embodiments, the catalyst is hydrochloric acid (HCl).

In some embodiments, the hydroxy-terminated polyethylene glycol is present on the surface of the porous particles at a density from about 0.5 to about 15 μmol/m². In some embodiments, the hydroxy-terminated polyethylene glycol is present on the surface of the porous particles at a density from about 0.5 to about 5.0 μmol/m², or from about 1.0 to about 2.0 μmol/m².

In some embodiments, at least a portion of the surface of the porous particles is modified with a non-hydroxy-terminated polyethylene glycol reagent, the method further comprising contacting the hydroxy-terminated polyethylene glycol modified stationary phase material with an additional polyethylene glycol reagent. In some embodiments, the non-hydroxy-terminated polyethylene glycol reagent is a methoxy-terminated polyethylene glycol silane reagent. In some embodiments, the methoxy-terminated polyethylene glycol silane reagent has a formula

wherein:

at least one of R₁, R₂, and R₃ is OMe, OEt, Cl, or N(CH₃)₂;

m is an integer from about 1 to about 10; and

n is an integer from about 3 to about 20.

In some embodiments, m is 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10. In some embodiments, m is 2 or 3. In some embodiments, m is 3 (i.e., propyl).

In some embodiments, n is from about 5 to about 15. In some embodiments, n is from about 6 to about 12, such as from about 6 to about 9.

In some embodiments, the methoxy-terminated PEG modifying reagent is 2-[methoxy(polyethyleneoxy)₆₋₉propyl]trichlorosilane or 2-[methoxy(polyethyleneoxy)₆₋₉propyl]tris(dimethylamino)silane.

In yet another aspect, the technology is directed to a method of forming a stationary phase material. The method comprises: providing a stationary phase material comprising porous inorganic/organic hybrid material particles; contacting the stationary phase material with a hydroxy-terminated polyethylene glycol reagent; treating the reaction mixture with an aqueous hydrolysis solution to surface modify the porous inorganic/organic hybrid material particles; and further treating the stationary phase material with a methoxy-terminated polyethylene glycol reagent.

A further aspect of the present technology is directed to a stationary phase material for size exclusion chromatography that is produced from the above method (e.g., contacting with a hydroxy-terminated polyethylene glycol reagent; treating with an aqueous hydrolysis solution; and further treating with a methoxy-terminated polyethylene glycol reagent). In some embodiments, the stationary phase particles are produced using the above method, in which contacting with a hydroxy-terminated polyethylene glycol reagent and treating with an aqueous hydrolysis solution is repeated/conducted for a time period sufficient to build up one or more layers of a coating (i.e., a hydroxy-terminated PEG coating) prior to treating (e.g., bonding) with a methoxy-terminated polyethylene glycol reagent.

The above aspects, features, and embodiments are further described in connection with the figures and examples provided below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to provide an understanding of embodiments of the technology, reference is made to the appended drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale. The drawings are exemplary only, and should not be construed as limiting the technology. The disclosure described herein is illustrated by way of example and not by way of limitation in the accompanying figures.

FIG. 1A depicts exemplary chromatographic separations of NISTmAb on a prototype hydroxy-terminated polyethylene glycol (PEG) surface modified inorganic-organic hybrid particle SEC column packed with 1.7 μm particles with average pore sizes of 270 Å, with a mobile phase comprising aqueous sodium phosphate buffer and varying concentrations of sodium chloride.

FIG. 1B depicts exemplary chromatographic separations of Trastuzumab entansine (Kadcyla; Genentech) on a prototype hydroxy-terminated PEG surface modified inorganic-organic hybrid particle SEC column packed with 1.7 μm particles with average pore sizes of 270 Å, with a mobile phase comprising aqueous sodium phosphate buffer and varying concentrations of acetonitrile.

FIG. 2A depicts exemplary chromatographic separations of Trastuzumab emtansine (Kadcyla; Genentech) on a prototype hydroxy-terminated PEG surface modified inorganic-organic hybrid particle SEC column packed with 1.7 μm particles with average pore sizes of 270 Å, with a mobile phase comprising aqueous sodium phosphate buffer and varying concentrations of acetonitrile.

FIG. 2B depicts exemplary chromatographic separations of Trastuzumab emtansine (Kadcyla; Genentech) on a reference methoxy-terminated PEG surface modified inorganic-organic hybrid particle SEC column packed with 1.7 μm particles with average pore sizes of 270 Å, with a mobile phase comprising aqueous sodium phosphate buffer and varying concentrations of acetonitrile.

FIG. 2C depicts exemplary chromatographic separations of Trastuzumab emtansine (Kadcyla; Genentech) on a prototype hydroxy-terminated PEG/TEOS-coated/methoxy terminated PEG-bonded surface modified inorganic-organic hybrid particle SEC column packed with 1.7 μm particles with average pore sizes of 270 Å, with a mobile phase comprising aqueous sodium phosphate buffer and varying concentrations of acetonitrile.

FIG. 2D depicts exemplary chromatographic separations of Trastuzumab emtansine (Kadcyla; Genentech) on a prototype hydroxy-terminated PEG-coated/methoxy terminated PEG-bonded surface modified inorganic-organic hybrid particle SEC column packed with 1.7 μm particles with average pore sizes of 270 Å, with a mobile phase comprising aqueous sodium phosphate buffer and varying concentrations of acetonitrile.

FIG. 3A depicts exemplary chromatographic separations of Trastuzumab emtansine (Kadcyla; Genentech) on a prototype hydroxy-terminated PEG surface modified inorganic-organic hybrid particle SEC column packed with 1.7 μm particles with average pore sizes of 200 Å, with a mobile phase comprising aqueous sodium phosphate buffer and varying concentrations of acetonitrile.

FIG. 3B depicts exemplary chromatographic separations of Trastuzumab emtansine (Kadcyla; Genentech) on a reference methoxy-terminated PEG surface modified inorganic-organic hybrid particle SEC column packed with 1.7 μm particles with average pore sizes of 200 Å, with a mobile phase comprising aqueous sodium phosphate buffer and varying concentrations of acetonitrile.

FIG. 3C depicts exemplary chromatographic separations of Trastuzumab emtansine (Kadcyla; Genentech) on a reference diol-bonded inorganic-organic hybrid particle SEC column packed with 1.7 μm particles with average pore sizes of 200 Å, with a mobile phase comprising aqueous sodium phosphate buffer and varying concentrations of acetonitrile.

FIG. 4A depicts exemplary chromatographic separations of NISTmAb on a prototype hydroxy-terminated PEG surface modified inorganic-organic hybrid particle SEC column packed with 1.7 μm particles with average pore sizes of 125 Å, with a mobile phase comprising aqueous sodium phosphate buffer and varying concentrations of sodium chloride.

FIG. 4B depicts exemplary chromatographic separations of NISTmAb on a reference diol-bonded inorganic-organic hybrid particle SEC column packed with 1.7 μm particles with average pore sizes of 125 Å, with a mobile phase comprising aqueous sodium phosphate buffer and varying concentrations of sodium chloride.

FIG. 4C depicts exemplary chromatographic separations of Trastuzumab emtansine (Kadcyla; Genentech) on a prototype hydroxy-terminated PEG surface modified inorganic-organic hybrid particle SEC column packed with 1.7 μm particles with average pore sizes of 125 Å, with a mobile phase comprising aqueous sodium phosphate buffer and varying concentrations of acetonitrile.

FIG. 4D depicts exemplary chromatographic separations of Trastuzumab emtansine (Kadcyla; Genentech) on a reference diol-bonded inorganic-organic hybrid particle SEC column packed with 1.7 μm particles with average pore sizes of 125 Å, with a mobile phase comprising aqueous sodium phosphate buffer and varying concentrations of acetonitrile.

FIGS. 5A-5H depict exemplary chromatographic separations of Trastuzumab entansine (Kadcyla; Genentech) on a hydroxy-terminated PEG surface modified inorganic-organic hybrid particle SEC 4.6×300 mm column packed with 2.5 μm particles with average pore sizes of 270 Å, with a mobile phase comprising aqueous 20 mM sodium phosphate buffer, 5.4 mM potassium chloride, and 276 mM sodium chloride at various temperatures. FIGS. 5A-5D provide chromatograms showing a secondary peak at about 10.0 for separations at 21° C., 35° C., 45° C., and 21° C., respectively. FIGS. 5E-5H provide chromatogram showing the main peak for the separations shown in FIGS. 5A-5D, respectively (i.e., FIG. 5A and FIG. 5E depict results from the same separation, FIG. 5B and FIG. 5F depict results from the same separation, FIG. 5C ad FIG. 5G depict results from the same separation, and FIG. 5D and FIG. 5H depict results from the same separation).

FIG. 6 is a graphical depiction of column temperature versus main 5 Sigma values for the separations of FIGS. 5A-5H.

FIG. 7 depict exemplary chromatographic separations of Trastuzumab emtansine (Kadcyla; Genentech) on a hydroxy-terminated PEG surface modified inorganic-organic hybrid particle SEC 4.6×150 mm column packed with 1.7 μm particles with average pore sizes of 270 Å, using a mobile phase comprising aqueous sodium phosphate buffer and various concentrations of acetonitrile.

FIG. 8 depict exemplary chromatographic separations of Trastuzumab entansine (Kadcyla; Genentech) on a hydroxy-terminated PEG surface modified inorganic-organic hybrid particle SEC 4.6×150 mm column packed with 1.7 μm particles with average pore sizes of 270 Å, using a mobile phase comprising aqueous sodium phosphate buffer and various concentrations of isopropanol.

FIG. 9 is a graphical depiction of co-solvent concentration versus 5 Sigma efficiency for the chromatographic separations of FIG. 7 and FIG. 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before describing several example embodiments of the technology, it is to be understood that the technology is not limited to the details of construction or process steps set forth in the following description. The technology is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in various ways.

Definitions

With respect to the terms used in this disclosure, the following definitions are provided. This application will use the following terms as defined below unless the context of the text in which the term appears requires a different meaning

The articles “a” and “an” are used herein to refer to one or to more than one (i.e., to at least one) of the grammatical object of the article. The term “about” used throughout this specification is used to describe and account for small fluctuations. For example, the term “about” can refer to less than or equal to ±5%, such as less than or equal to ±2%, less than or equal to ±1%, less than or equal to ±0.5%, less than or equal to ±0.2%, less than or equal to ±0.1% or less than or equal to ±0.05%. All numeric values herein are modified by the term “about,” whether or not explicitly indicated. A value modified by the term “about” of course includes the specific value. For instance, “about 5.0” must include 5.0.

Chromatography is a separation method for concentrating or isolating one or more compounds (e.g., biomolecules) found in a mixture. The compounds (e.g., biomolecules) are normally present in a sample. This disclosure uses the term “sample” broadly to represent any mixture which an individual may desire to analyze. The term “mixture” is used in the sense of a fluid containing one or more dissolved compounds (e.g., biomolecules). A compound of interest present in said sample is referred to as an analyte.

Chromatography is a differential migration process. Compounds in a mixture traverse a chromatographic column at different rates, leading to their separation. The migration occurs by convection of a fluid phase, referred to as the mobile phase, in relationship to a packed bed of particles or a porous monolith structure, referred to as the stationary phase. In some modes of chromatography, differential migration occurs by differences in affinity of analytes with the stationary phase and mobile phase.

Size exclusion chromatography (SEC) is a type of chromatography in which the analytes in a mixture are separated or isolated on the basis of hydrodynamic radius. In SEC, separation occurs because of the differences in the ability of analytes to probe the volume of the porous stationary phase media. See, for example, A. M. Striegel et. al. Modern Size-Exclusion Chromatography: Practice of Gel Permeation and Gel Filtration Chromatography, 2nd Edition, Wiley, N.J., 2009. SEC is typically used for the separation of large molecules or complexes of molecules. For example, without limitation, many large molecules of biological origin (“biomolecules”), such as deoxyribonucleic acids (DNAs), ribonucleic acids (RNAs), proteins, polysaccharides, antibody-drug conjugates, and fragments and complexes of any thereof are analyzed by SEC. Synthetic polymers, plastics, and the like are also analyzed by SEC.

SEC is normally performed using a column having a packed bed of particles. The packed bed of particles is a separation media or stationary phase through which the mobile phase will flow. The column is placed in fluid communication with a pump and a sample injector. The sample is loaded onto the column under pressure by the sample injector and the sample components and mobile phase are pushed through the column by the pump. The components in the sample leave or elute from the column with the largest molecules (largest hydrodynamic radius) exiting first and the smallest molecules leaving last.

The column is placed in fluid communication with a detector, which can detect the change in the nature of the mobile phase as the mobile phase exits the column. The detector will register and record these changes as a plot, referred to as a chromatogram, which is used to determine the presence or absence of the analyte, and, in some embodiments, the concentration thereof. The time at which the analyte leaves the column (retention time) is an indication of the size of the molecule. Molecular weight of the molecules can be estimated using standard calibration curves. Examples of detectors used for SEC are, without limitation, refractive index detectors, UV detectors, light-scattering detectors, and mass spectrometers.

“Hybrid”, including “inorganic-organic hybrid material,” includes inorganic-based structures wherein an organic functionality is integral to both the internal or “skeletal” inorganic structure as well as the hybrid material surface. The inorganic portion of the hybrid material may be, e.g., alumina, silica, titanium, cerium, or zirconium or oxides thereof, or ceramic material. “Hybrid” includes inorganic-based structures wherein an organic functionality is integral to both the internal or “skeletal” inorganic structure as well as the hybrid material surface. Exemplary hybrid materials are shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,017,528, 6,528,167, 6,686,035, and 7,175,913, each of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. One non-limiting example of an inorganic-organic hybrid material is an ethylene-bridged hybrid material having an empirical formula of SiO₂(O_(1.5)SiCH₂CH₂SiO_(1.5))_(0.25).

The terms “polyethylene glycol” and “polyethylene oxide” are used synonymously herein, both terms referring to oligomeric or polymeric polyether compounds having the formula —(O—CH₂CH₂)_(n)—OH. Accordingly, the abbreviations for “polyethylene glycol” and “polyethylene oxide”, “PEG” and “PEO”, respectively, are used synonymously herein.

The term “methoxy-terminated polyethylene glycol”, abbreviated herein as “MeO-PEO” or MeO-PEG”, refers to oligomeric or polymeric polyether compounds having the formula —(O—CH₂CH₂)_(n)—OMe. In contrast to hydroxy-terminated polyethylene glycols (HO-PEGs), MeO-PEGs do not have a free hydroxyl (OH) group available, having been terminated with a methyl group.

The term “surface modification” as used herein, refers to the process of modifying the surface of a material by changing physical and/or chemical characteristics of the surface to improve the properties. The term “surface modified” as used herein, refers to a material (e.g., a porous stationary phase particle or core material) which has been reacted with a surface modifying group (a “surface modifier”) to covalently bond, non-covalently bond, adsorb, or otherwise attach the surface modifier to the surface of the core material, or the surface of the stationary phase material. In certain embodiments, the surface modifying group is attached to the surface of the material by a siloxane bond. For example, the surface of a hybrid silica material contains silanol groups, which can be reacted with one or more reactive organosilane reagents (e.g., halo or alkoxy substituted silanes), thus producing Si—O—Si—C linkages. The surface modification can be a bonded surface or a coated surface.

The term “bonded surface” refers to a material (e.g., a porous stationary phase particle or core material) which predominantly has a monolayer of covalently attached silane molecules as a result of a bonding reaction between the surface modifying group and available hydroxyl groups on the surface of the material.

The term “coated surface” refers to a material (e.g., a porous stationary phase particle or core material) which has multilayers of the surface modifying group(s) due to oligomer and polymer formation of the surface modifying group(s) and horizontal and vertical polymerization reactions on the surface of the material.

The phrase “at least some substantial portion” as used herein to describe the extent of modification (i.e., bonding or coating) with a hydroxy-terminated polyethylene glycol, means that the surface density of the modification (e.g., a hydroxy-terminated polyethylene glycol) on the surface of the stationary phase particles is a minimum of about 0.5 micromole of the hydroxy-terminated polyethylene glycol per square meter of particle surface area (0.5 μmol/m²).

Surface density of the modification may be determined by calculating the difference in % carbon of the particle before and after the surface modification, as measured by elemental analysis. Surface density as reported herein is determined according to this calculation.

Reference herein to the “surface” of the stationary phase particles is, unless otherwise indicated or contradicted by the context, intended to mean the outermost extent of the particle surface.

Embodiments of the present disclosure are now described in detail with the understanding that such embodiments are exemplary only. Such embodiments constitute what the inventors now believe to be the best mode of practicing the technology. Those skilled in the art will recognize that such embodiments are capable of modification and alteration.

Stationary Phase Material

Size exclusion chromatography (SEC) is performed on a stationary phase material with a size-based affinity for the analyte. An ideal SEC separation would separate exclusively on the size of the analyte molecule; however, non-specific secondary interactions of the analyte with the stationary phase reduce separation efficiency and reduce the quality of the separation. The most common secondary interactions are ionic and hydrophobic interactions, both of which result in poor chromatographic performance, including peak broadening, peak tailing, and loss of resolution and separation efficiency.

At least two types of ionic interactions may occur. When a protein analyte and the stationary phase carry the same charge, ion-exclusion takes place due to electrostatic repulsion (decrease in protein elution time). When the protein and the stationary phase carry an opposite charge, ion-exchange takes place (increase in elution time). To ameliorate the ionic properties of the stationary phase surface, it is common practice to derivatize the stationary phase material (e.g., inorganic-organic hybrid particles) with hydrophobic silanes. The increase of hydrophobicity of the particle decreases the ionic interactions, but can introduce additional hydrophobic interactions.

Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) often have increased hydrophobicity compared to unmodified proteins due to their payload conjugations, which can interact with the hydrophobic regions of a modified particle, resulting in poor quality separation. Surface modifications (e.g., diol bonding, polyethylene glycol (PEG)-based bonding) may ameliorate to varying degrees such interactions. While these surface modifications can reduce secondary interactions for size exclusion separations, they have their own drawbacks. The major drawback of diol-bonded/coated surfaces is the continued existence of hydrophobic secondary interactions and the related requirement for complex mobile phase development.

Current PEG-based modifications, such as methoxy-terminated polyethylene glycol bonding (MeO-PEG), make the surface more hydrophilic, protein resistant, nontoxic and biocompatible. PEG-based modifications reduce non-specific interactions and have been incorporated into many different products and platforms. This ubiquity is partly due to its chemical abilities and partly due to its ease of manipulation. PEGs are amenable to both two- and three-dimensional situations, affording coverage of material such as porous particles used in SEC. PEG has the chemical and structural properties that most protein resistant materials and molecules share: hydrophilic nature, electrical neutrality, and hydrogen-bond acceptor/donor properties. PEG is known to create a very stable hydration layer due to the spacing between adjacent ethereal oxygen atoms nearly matching water's hydrogen bonding network. See, e.g., Daley et al., The Journal of Physical Chemistry B 2017, 121(46), 10574-10582. This hydration layer works to repel non-specific interactions, including ionic and hydrophobic. In addition to surface hydration, PEG chain flexibility is also believed to play a significant role in protein resistance. The best protein resistance ability can be obtained when the surface hydration and steric repulsion of the flexible chains work together (Chen et al., Polymer 2010, 51(23), 5283-5293). Molecular simulations and numerous experimental studies have shown that grafting density, chain length, steric hindrance effects and chain conformation have significant roles on resistance performance. See, e.g., Szleifer, I. Biophysical Journal 1997, 72, 595-612; Oelmeier et al., BMC Biophysics 2012, 5, 14-26; Bernhard et al., Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics 2017, 19, 28182-28188; and Sanchez-Cano, C. et al., International Journal of Molecular Sciences 2020, 21, 1007). Although there are different thoughts about the effect of chain length on protein resistance, the reported results and models suggest the importance of high grafting density. Generally, PEG-based modifications provide a more effective resistance against non-specific secondary interactions compared to diol-bonded surfaces. However, the most common PEG-based bonded phases, methoxy-terminated PEGs, cause poor peak shape and low efficiency in SEC.

Surprisingly, it has been discovered according to the present disclosure that modification of porous hybrid particles with short chain, hydroxy-terminated polyethylene glycol (HO-PEG) bondings allow for greatly decreased secondary interactions with improved peak shape and increased universality of mobile phases, with no negative impact on chromatographic performance for a wide array of possible analytes.

Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that for low molecular weight PEG chains, the PEG chain conformation on the surface depends on both chain length and the termination group of the chain, and the chain conformation difference for the present hydroxy-terminated PEG chains creates a difference in mass transfer and chromatographic performance relative to methoxy-terminated PEG chains.

The present disclosure provides a stationary phase material for size exclusion chromatography. The stationary phase material comprises particles having a hydroxy-terminated polyethylene glycol modified surface. The nature of the stationary phase material is described further herein below.

Particles

The present disclosure provides a stationary phase material for size exclusion chromatography. Such material can be composed of one or more particles (i.e., a “base material”), such as one or more spherical particles. The particles are generally spherical but can be any shape useful in chromatography.

The particles have a particle size or distribution of particle sizes. Particle size may be measured, e.g., using a Beckman Coulter Multisizer 3 instrument as follows. Particles are suspended homogeneously in a 5% lithium chloride methanol solution. A greater than 70,000 particle count may be run using a 30 μm aperture in the volume mode for each sample. Using the Coulter principle, volumes of particles are converted to diameter, where a particle diameter is the equivalent spherical diameter, which is the diameter of a sphere whose volume is identical to that of the particle. Particle size can also be determined by light microscopy.

The particles as disclosed herein generally have a size distribution in which the average (mean) diameter is from about 1 to about 50 μm, such as from about 1, about 2, about 5, about 10, or about 20, to about 30, about 40, or about 50 μm. In some embodiments, the particles have a diameter with a mean size distribution from about 1 to about 20 μm. In some embodiments, the particles have a diameter with a mean size distribution from about 1.7 μm to about 5 μm. In some embodiments, the particles have a size distribution in which the average diameter is about 1.7 μm.

The particles may be porous, non-porous, or polymeric. In some embodiments, the particles are porous, and may be fully porous or superficially porous. Porous materials have a pore size or a distribution of pore sizes. The average pore size (pore diameter) may vary depending on the intended analyte. As described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,861,110, pore diameter can be calculated from 4V/S BET, from pore volume, or from pore surface area. The pore diameter is generally selected to allow free diffusion of molecules in the analyte and mobile phase so they can interact with the stationary phase. In some embodiments, the porous particles have an average pore size from about 40 to about 1000 Å. For example, the average pore size may be from about 40, about 50, about 60, about 70, about 80, about 90, or about 100, to about 200, about 300, about 500, about 600, about 700, about 800, about 900, or about 1000 Å. In some embodiments, the average pore size is from about 100 to about 500 Å. In some embodiments, the average pore size is from about 100 to about 300 Å. In some embodiments, the average pore size is about 125 Å. In some embodiments, the average pore size is about 200 Å. In some embodiments, the average pore size is about 270 Å. In some embodiments, the average pore size is about 1000 Å.

The porous particles may comprise any suitable organic or inorganic/organic hybrid material. Suitable materials include, but are not limited to inorganic/organic hybrid materials and polymeric materials. In some embodiments, the porous particles comprise an inorganic/organic hybrid material or a polymer. In some embodiments, the porous particles comprise inorganic/organic hybrid materials. In some embodiments, the porous particles comprise or are inorganic-organic hybrid ethylene bridged particles having an empirical formula of SiO₂(O_(1.5)SiCH₂CH₂SiO_(1.5))_(0.25). Such materials may be prepared in a sol-gel synthesis by the co-condensation of 1,2-bis(triethoxysilyl)ethane (BTEE) with tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS). Suitable procedures are reported in Wyndham et al., Analytical Chemistry 2003, 75, 6781-6788 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,686,035, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The porous particles have a surface, and at least some substantial portion of the surface is modified with a hydroxy-terminated polyethylene glycol. The coverage density of the hydroxy-terminated polyethylene glycol on the surface of the modified porous particles may vary. For example, in some embodiments, the hydroxy-terminated polyethylene glycol modifier is present on the surface of the porous particles at a density from about 0.5 to about 15 μmol/m². In some embodiments, the hydroxy-terminated polyethylene glycol modifier is present on the surface of the porous particles at a density from about 0.5 to about 5 μmol/m²′ or from about 1 to about 2.0 μmol/m².

In some embodiments, the hydroxy-terminated polyethylene glycol has the formula:

wherein:

-   -   m is an integer from about 1 to about 10;     -   n is an integer from about 2 to about 50; and     -   wherein the wavy lines indicate points of attachment to the         surface of the porous particles.

Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that the chain conformation of the polyethylene glycol unit on the surface depends at least partially on chain length.

In some embodiments, m is 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10. In some embodiments, m is 2 or 3. In some embodiments, m is 3 (i.e., propyl).

In some embodiments, n is from about 2, about 5, about 10, about 15, or about 20, to about 25, about 30, about 35, about 40, about 45, or about 50. In some embodiments, n is from about 5 to about 15. In some embodiments, n is from about 8 to about 12. In particular embodiments, m is 3, and n is from about 8 to about 12. In some embodiments, n is an average value representing a mixture of different polyethylene glycol chain lengths. For example, in some embodiments, n may be 8 to 12, meaning the average distribution of chain lengths falls between 8 and 12 polyethylene glycol units. Such embodiments reflect the average chain length distribution in e.g., a commercially available trialkoxysilylalkyl polyethylene glycol useful in embodiments of the disclosure as a surface modifying reagent. In other embodiments, n may be a specific value, such as from about 8, about 9, or about 10, to about 11, or about 12.

In some embodiments, the hydroxy-terminated polyethylene glycol is bifunctional, forming a bridging (“bridged”) polyethylene glycol when attached to the surface of the porous particle. In some embodiments, the bridging polyethylene glycol comprises a polyethylene glycol unit and further comprises two alkyl moieties, each having an exposed hydroxy group. In such embodiments, the exposed hydroxy group is the hydroxy termination of the hydroxy-terminated polyethylene glycol. In some embodiments, the bridged polyethylene glycol has the formula:

wherein the wavy lines indicate points of attachment to the surface of the porous particles, and m and n are each as defined above. In such embodiments, the modifier is a bis-(silylalkyl-2-hydroxy-alkoxy)polyethylene glycol. In some embodiments, m is 3, and n is 5 to 8.

In some embodiments, the hydroxy-terminated polyethylene glycol is attached directly to hydroxy groups on the initial surface (i.e., the native or as synthesized surface) of the porous particles. By initial surface, it is meant that the porous particle has not been treated with any coatings or bondings, and is in the native state as prepared. In such embodiments, the surface, following reaction with the hydroxy-terminated polyethylene glycol reagent, may be described as a bonded surface. A non-limiting depiction of a hydroxy-terminated polyethylene glycol bonded particle (1) is illustrated below:

In other embodiments, the native or as synthesized surface is modified with a coating layer, either prior to or simultaneously with attachment of the hydroxy-terminated polyethylene glycol. In such embodiments, the hydroxy-terminated polyethylene glycol is attached through a complex network of silicon and oxygen bonds to the native surface of the porous particles.

In some embodiments, the hydroxy-terminated polyethylene glycol reagent is partially polymerized through hydrolytic condensation with itself, or with TEOS, prior to reaction with hydroxyl groups on the initial surface of the porous particle. In such embodiments, the resulting surface modified particle may be described as having a hydroxy-terminated polyethylene glycol coated surface. A non-limiting depiction of a hydroxy-terminated polyethylene glycol coated particle (2) is illustrated below:

A non-limiting depiction of a hydroxy-terminated polyethylene glycol/TEOS coated particle (3) is illustrated below:

In some embodiments, the porous particles comprise a surface coating derived from reaction of the porous particle surface with a partial hydrolytic condensation product of a hydroxy-terminated polyethylene glycol reagent, a partial hydrolytic condensation product of a hydroxy-terminated polyethylene glycol reagent with TEOS, or a combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the porous particles comprise or further comprise a surface coating derived from reaction of the porous particle surface with a partial hydrolytic condensation product of a polyethylene glycol silane reagent, a partial hydrolytic condensation product of a polyethylene glycol silane reagent with TEOS, or a combination thereof. Suitable polyethylene glycol-based reagents include, but are not limited to, bridging polyethylene glycol-based reagents as discussed above, and polyethylene glycol-based reagents having a masked or protected hydroxy group. In some embodiments, the hydroxy group may be terminal or may be otherwise attached to the backbone of the reagent (e.g., an exposed hydroxy group on the carbon chain). In some embodiments wherein the hydroxy group is masked or protected, the masking or protecting group may be removed prior to performing chromatography with the particles having a surface modified with such reagents (i.e., providing the exposed or terminal hydroxy group). One of skill in the art will recognize such protecting groups and understand how to either maintain or remove them using standard chemical conditions known to one of skill in the art. A non-limiting set of suitable polyethylene glycol based silane reagents which may be used in addition to, or as an alternative to, the hydroxy-terminated polyethylene glycol reagent described herein above is provided in Table 1.

TABLE 1 Example additional or alternative polyethylene glycol silane reagents 4,4,19,19-Tetraethoxy-3,7,10,13,16,20-hexaoxa-4,19-disiladocosane Bis(3-triethoxysilylpropyl)polyethylene oxide (25-30 EO) N,N′-Bis-[(3-triethoxysilylpropyl)aminocarbonyl]polyethylene oxide (10-15 EO) 4,4,19,19-Tetraethoxy-3,7,10,13,16,20-hexaoxa-4,19-disiladocosane Poly(ethylene oxide), bis(trimethoxysilylpropyl) terminated Poly(ethylene oxide), bis(triethoxysilylpropyl) terminated 2-Propenoic acid, 2-methyl-, 2-[2-[3-(trichlorosilyl)propoxy]ethoxy]ethyl ester 2-Propenoic acid, 2-methyl-, 9,9-dimethoxy-3,6,10-trioxa-9-silaundec-1-yl ester 2-[3-(Dimethoxymethylsilyl)propoxy]ethyl 2-methyl-2-propenoate 2-Propenoic acid, 2-methyl-, 10,10-dimethoxy-3,6,11-trioxa-10-siladodec-1-yl ester 2-Propenoic acid, 2-methyl-, 2-[3-(chlorodimethylsilyl)propoxy]ethyl ester 2-Propenoic acid, 2-methyl-, 2-[3-(chlorodipropylsilyl)propoxy]ethyl ester 2-Propenoic acid, 2-methyl-, 2-[3-(diethoxyethylsilyl)propoxy]ethyl ester 5,8,11-Trioxa-1-silatridecan-13-ol, 1,1,1-trichloro-, acetate Ethanol, 2-[(chlorodimethylsilyl)methoxy]-, 1-acetate 2,7,10,13-Tetraoxa-3-silapentadecan-15-ol, 3-methoxy-3-methyl-, acetate 6,9,12,15,18,21-Hexaoxa-2-silatricosan-23-ol, 2-chloro-2-methyl-, acetate Triethoxysilylpropoxy(Polyethyleneoxy) Dodecanoate 2-[(Acetoxy(polyethyleneoxy)propyl]triethoxysilane

In some embodiments, the porous particles consist essentially of porous inorganic/organic hybrid material particles having a surface, wherein at least some substantial portion thereof is modified with a hydroxy-terminated polyethylene glycol (PEG). Reference herein to “consisting essentially of” with respect to the porous particles means that the surface of the porous inorganic/organic hybrid material particles is modified only with hydroxy-terminated polyethylene glycol (PEG) groups. That is, such embodiments specifically exclude the presence of non-hydroxy-terminated PEG, such as methoxy-terminated PEG coatings.

In some embodiments, the porous particles having a hydroxy-terminated polyethylene glycol modified surface further comprise a surface bonding or coating derived from reaction of the hydroxy-terminated polyethylene glycol modified porous particles with a non hydroxy-terminated polyethylene glycol reagent. In some embodiments, the reagent is selected from Table 1. In some embodiments, the reagent is 2-[methoxy(polyethyleneoxy)₆₋₉propyl]trichlorosilane or 2-[methoxy(polyethyleneoxy)₆₋₉propyl]tris(dimethylamino)silane.

In some embodiments, the porous particles having a hydroxy-terminated polyethylene glycol modified surface are hydroxy-terminated polyethylene glycol bonded. In some embodiments, the porous particles having a hydroxy-terminated polyethylene glycol modified surface are hydroxy-terminated polyethylene glycol coated. In some embodiments, the porous particles having a hydroxy-terminated polyethylene glycol modified surface are hydroxy-terminated polyethylene glycol/TEOS coated. In any of these embodiments, the porous particle so modified may further comprise a methoxy-terminated polyethylene glycol bonding. Non-limiting cartoon illustrations representative of possible configurations of such bonding and coating arrangements are provided below as structures 4, 5, and 6 As one of skill in the art will recognize, such structures will possess a very complex network of silicon and oxygen bonds which cannot be adequately represented structurally. Accordingly, structures 4, 5, and 6 are provided merely to illustrate the general concept of the coating and bonding combinations disclosed herein. Structure 4 is representative of a methoxy-terminated polyethylene glycol bonded and hydroxy-terminated polyethylene glycol coated porous particle surface. Structure 5 is representative of a methoxy-terminated polyethylene glycol bonded and hydroxy-terminated polyethylene glycol/TEOS coated porous particle surface. Structure 6 is representative of a porous particle surface which has been hydroxy-terminated polyethylene glycol bonded and further surface modified with a methoxy-terminated polyethylene glycol.

In particular embodiments, the porous particles are hydroxy-terminated polyethylene glycol bonded, or hydroxy-terminated polyethylene glycol coated, and are further surface modified with a methoxy-terminated polyethylene glycol reagent. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the porous particles are hydroxy-terminated polyethylene glycol bonded or hydroxy-terminated polyethylene glycol coated, and are further methoxy-terminated PEG modified.

In some embodiments, the methoxy-terminated PEG modifying reagent is a methoxy-terminated polyethylene glycol silane reagent. In some embodiments, the methoxy-terminated polyethylene glycol silane has a formula

wherein:

-   -   at least one of R₁, R₂, and R₃ is OMe, OEt, Cl, or N(CH₃)₂;     -   m is an integer from about 1 to about 10; and     -   n is an integer from about 2 to about 20.

In some embodiments, m is 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10. In some embodiments, m is 2 or 3. In some embodiments, m is 3 (i.e., propyl).

In some embodiments, n is from about 5 to about 15. In some embodiments, n is from about 6 to about 12, such as from about 6 to about 9.

In some embodiments, the methoxy-terminated PEG modifying reagent is 2-[methoxy(polyethyleneoxy)₆₋₉propyl]trichlorosilane or 2-[methoxy(polyethyleneoxy)₆₋₉propyl]tris(dimethylamino)silane.

The ratio of hydroxy-terminated polyethylene glycol groups to methoxy-terminated polyethylene glycol groups present on the porous particle surface may vary. For example, in some embodiments, the molar ratio is about 2:1 or about 1:1.

Method of Preparing Stationary Phase Material for SEC

The present disclosure provides a simple and versatile method to bond a hydroxy-terminated polyethylene glycol (PEG) layer onto a porous particle surface with a surprisingly high grafting density of PEG. The method generally comprises allowing the porous particles to react with a silylalkyl polyethylene glycol having one or more leaving groups on the silane. Some adjacent vicinal hydroxyl groups on the porous particle surface are at a distance such that difunctional reactions can occur between the vicinal hydroxyls and a difunctional or trifunctional reagent. When the adjacent hydroxyls on the surface are not suitably spaced for a difunctional reaction, then only a monofunctional reaction takes place.

The reaction is generally conducted according to standard methods, for example, by reaction of the porous particles with the appropriate reagent in an organic solvent under reflux conditions. An organic solvent such as toluene is typically used for this reaction.

In some embodiments, the method comprises: providing a stationary phase material comprising porous particles comprising an inorganic/organic hybrid or a polymer; contacting the stationary phase material with a hydroxy-terminated polyethylene glycol reagent; and treating the reaction mixture with an aqueous hydrolysis solution to surface modify the porous inorganic/organic hybrid or a polymer particles. A stationary phase material produced from this method (contacting with a hydroxy-terminated polyethylene glycol reagent; and treating with an aqueous hydrolysis solution) is within the scope of the present technology.

In some embodiments, the method comprises providing a stationary phase material comprising porous particles comprising an inorganic/organic hybrid or a polymer; contacting the stationary phase material with a hydroxy-terminated polyethylene glycol reagent having the formula:

wherein:

-   -   at least one of R₁, R₂, and R₃ is OMe, OEt, Cl, or N(CH₃)₂;     -   m is an integer from about 1 to about 10; and     -   n is an integer from about 2 to about 50,     -   to form a reaction mixture; and     -   treating the reaction mixture with an aqueous hydrolysis         solution to surface modify the porous particles.

In some embodiments, R₁, R₂, and R₃ are each OMe, OEt, Cl, or N(CH₃)₂. In some embodiments, R₁, R₂, and R₃ are each OMe or are each OEt.

In some embodiments, m is about 3, or is 3.

In some embodiments, n is an average value representing a mixture of different polyethylene glycol chain lengths. For example, in some embodiments, n may be 8 to 12, meaning the average distribution of chain lengths falls between 8 and 12 polyethylene glycol units. In other embodiments, n may be a specific value, such as from about 8, about 9, or about 10, to about 11, or about 12.

In some embodiments, R₁, R₂, and R₃ are each OMe, m is 3, and n is 3. In some embodiments, R₁, R₂, and R₃ are each OMe, m is 3, and n is 8 to 12. In some embodiments, R₁, R₂, and R₃ are each OMe, m is 3, and n is 4.

In some embodiments, the method comprises providing a stationary phase material comprising porous particles comprising an inorganic/organic hybrid or a polymer; contacting the stationary phase material with a bifunctional hydroxy-terminated polyethylene glycol reagent having the formula:

wherein R₁, R₂, and R₃, m, and n are each as defined above. In some embodiments, m is 3, n is 5 to 8, and R₁, R₂, and R₃ are each OMe or are each OEt.

In some embodiments, the porous particles comprise an inorganic/organic hybrid material.

In some embodiments, the porous particles comprise inorganic-organic hybrid ethylene bridged particles having an empirical formula of SiO₂(O_(1.5)SiCH₂CH₂SiO_(1.5))_(0.25).

The amount of the hydroxy-terminated polyethylene glycol reagent utilized may vary depending on the desired surface coverage. In some embodiments, the amount is based on the surface area of the particles. In some embodiments, the amount is from about 1 to about 40 μmol/m².

In some embodiments, a catalyst is added to the reaction mixture to promote reaction between the hydroxyl groups on the porous particle surface and the hydroxy-terminated polyethylene glycol. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that in the case of less reactive hydroxy-terminated polyethylene glycol based reagents (e.g., trimethoxy or triethoxysilylpropyl polyethylene glycol), the presence of an appropriate catalyst is a determining factor in the extent of reaction and, consequently, the coverage density of the hydroxy-terminated polyethylene glycol modifier on the surface of the porous particles. In some embodiments, the catalyst is an organic base such as pyridine or imidazole. In some embodiments, the catalyst is an acid. Particularly suitable catalysts are mineral acids, such as hydrochloric acid (HCl). The amount of catalyst added may vary depending on the particle, modifying reagent, and desired surface coverage. In some embodiments, the amount of catalyst is based on the weight of the porous particles. In some embodiments, the amount of catalyst is from about 50 to about 1000 μL/g of particles. In some embodiments, the amount of catalyst is about 200 μL/g of particles.

Following completion of the reaction with the hydroxy-terminated polyethylene glycol based reagent, the product mixture is generally treated with an aqueous hydrolysis solution to hydrolyze any remaining excess of reagent, and to hydrolyze any remaining alkoxysilyl functionality on the surface modified particles. In some embodiments, the hydrolysis solution is aqueous ammonium acetate. In some embodiments, the hydrolysis solution is aqueous ammonium bicarbonate. The thus-obtained product is then generally washed with water and acetone and dried at 70° C. under reduced pressure for 16 h.

In some embodiments, the hydroxy-terminated polyethylene glycol reagent is allowed to react with hydroxyl groups on the initial surface of the porous particle. By initial surface, it is meant that the porous particle has not been treated with any coatings or bondings, and is in the native state as prepared. In such embodiments, the surface, following reaction with the hydroxy-terminated polyethylene glycol reagent, may be described as a bonded surface. A non-limiting depiction of a hydroxy-terminated polyethylene glycol bonded particle (1) is illustrated below:

In some embodiments, the method comprises partially polymerizing the hydroxy-terminated polyethylene glycol reagent with itself through hydrolytic condensation prior to reaction with hydroxyl groups on the initial surface of the porous particle. Generally, incomplete (˜50%) hydrolytic condensation reaction products may be obtained by reaction of the hydroxy-terminated polyethylene glycol reagent in ethanol (3.1 mol ethanol/mol silane) and 0.1M HCl (13.5 g/mol silane). In some embodiments, the hydroxy-terminated polyethylene glycol reagent is [hydroxy(polyethyleneoxy)₈₋₁₂propyl]triethoxysilane.

The solution is heated at 70° C. for 18 h under an inert atmosphere. The reaction medium temperature is then increased to 90° C. for atmospheric distillation to strip the ethanol. The temperature is then increased to 100° C. for 1 h under an inert atmosphere. Finally, the reaction medium is cooled to RT and the incomplete condensation reaction product is obtained. The hydroxy-terminated polyethylene glycol reagent is then allowed to react with hydroxy groups on the coated surface.

In some embodiments, the method comprises partially polymerizing the hydroxy-terminated polyethylene glycol reagent with TEOS through hydrolytic condensation prior to reaction with hydroxyl groups on the initial surface of the porous particle. Generally, incomplete (˜50%) hydrolytic condensation reaction products may be obtained by reaction of the hydroxy-terminated polyethylene glycol reagent with tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) (1:1 mol/mol) in ethanol (3.1 mol ethanol/mol silane) and 0.1 M HCl (13.5 g/mol silane). In some embodiments, the hydroxy-terminated polyethylene glycol reagent is [hydroxy(polyethyleneoxy)₈₋₁₂propyl]triethoxysilane.

The solution is heated at 70° C. for 18 h under an inert atmosphere. The reaction medium temperature is then increased to 90° C. for atmospheric distillation to strip the ethanol. The temperature is then increased to 100° C. for 1 h under an inert atmosphere. Finally, the reaction medium is cooled to RT and the incomplete condensation reaction product is obtained. The hydroxy-terminated polyethylene glycol reagent is then allowed to react with hydroxy groups on the coated surface.

In each of the above embodiments describing a partial hydrolytic condensation product, the partial hydrolytic condensation product is then allowed to react with the porous particle, which may be a hybrid particle as described herein. Generally, the particles are dispersed in a solvent and removing any residual water removed by azeotropic distillation. One suitable non-limiting solvent example is toluene. Generally, the reaction mixture is cooled, for example, to less than about 40° C., and the appropriate partial hydrolytic condensation product is added in an amount of about 1 g per g of particle. A catalyst is then added. In particular embodiments, the catalyst is aqueous ammonium hydroxide (NH₄OH) in an amount of about 0.05 g base/g particle. Following completion of reaction, the particles are isolated via filtration, washed and dispersed in a mixture of 70/30 (v/v) water/ethanol (10 mL/g). Ammonium hydroxide (1 g NH₄OH/g particle) is added and the mixture is stirred at 50° C. for 2 h. The reaction is then cooled below about 40° C. and the particles isolated via filtration. The isolated particles are washed and dried at 70° C. for 16 h under vacuum. The above process may be repeated as needed.

The modified particles are then exposed to elevated temperatures (100-140° C.) and pH (8-9.8) according to the hydrothermal treatment process described by U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,686,035, 7,223,473, and 7,919,177, each to Jiang) and International Patent Application Publication No. WO2008/103423 to Wyndham. The modified particles are then dispersed in 1.0 M HCL solution (8.4 mL/g particle) and the mixture stirred at 100° C. for 20 h. The reaction is then cooled <40° C. and the particles isolated via filtration. The isolated particles are washed with water until the pH of the filtrate is higher than 5 and then with methanol. Finally, the isolated particles are dried at 70° C. for 16 under vacuum.

In some embodiments, the method comprises: providing a stationary phase material comprising porous particles comprising an inorganic/organic hybrid or a polymer; contacting the stationary phase material with a hydroxy-terminated polyethylene glycol reagent; treating the reaction mixture with an aqueous hydrolysis solution to surface modify the porous inorganic/organic hybrid or polymer particles; and further treating the stationary phase material with a methoxy-terminated polyethylene glycol reagent. A stationary phase material produced from this method (contacting with a hydroxy-terminated polyethylene glycol reagent; treating with an aqueous hydrolysis solution; and further treating with a methoxy-terminated polyethylene glycol reagent) is within the scope of the present technology.

While the above method includes contacting with a hydroxy-terminated polyethylene glycol reagent prior to treating with a methoxy-terminated polyethylene glycol reagent, other methods of production are also within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, in some embodiments, the porous inorganic/organic hybrid or polymer particles are contacted first with the methoxy-terminated polyethylene glycol reagent followed by reacting with a hydroxy-terminated polyethylene glycol reagent. In other embodiments, it is possible to contact the porous inorganic/organic hybrid or polymer particles with both the hydroxy-terminated polyethylene glycol and the methoxy-terminated polyethylene glycol simultaneously or substantially simultaneously.

Accordingly, in some embodiments, the method comprises reacting a hydroxy-terminated polyethylene glycol modified particle surface with a non-hydroxy terminated polyethylene glycol reagent. A non-limiting list of suitable example reagents is provided in Table 1. Generally, the method of reacting a hydroxy-terminated polyethylene glycol modified particle surface with a non-hydroxy terminated polyethylene glycol reagent comprises dispersing the porous particles (e.g., a hybrid particle as described herein) in a solvent and removing any residual water by azeotropic distillation. One suitable non-limiting solvent example is toluene. Generally, the reaction mixture is cooled, for example, to less than about 40° C., and a catalyst is added. In particular embodiments, the catalyst is hydrochloric acid. In some embodiments, HCl is added as a dilute solution, such as 1M or 0.1M. In some embodiments, the quantity of acid added is about 200 μL/g particle.

Following the catalyst addition, the appropriate silane reagent is added in an amount from about 1 to about 40 μmol/m². In some embodiments, the additional polyethylene glycol silane is selected from Table 1. In some embodiments, the reagent is a methoxy-terminated polyethylene glycol silane reagent.

In some embodiments, the methoxy-terminated PEG modifying reagent is a methoxy-terminated polyethylene glycol silane reagent. In some embodiments, the methoxy-terminated polyethylene glycol silane has a formula

wherein:

-   -   at least one of R₁, R₂, and R₃ is OMe, OEt, Cl, or N(CH₃)₂;     -   m is an integer from about 1 to about 10; and     -   n is an integer from about 2 to about 20.

In some embodiments, m is 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10. In some embodiments, m is 2 or 3. In some embodiments, m is 3 (i.e., propyl).

In some embodiments, n is from about 5 to about 15. In some embodiments, n is from about 6 to about 12, such as from about 6 to about 9.

In some embodiments, the reagent is 2-[methoxy(polyethyleneoxy)₆₋₉propyl]trichlorosilane or 2-[methoxy(polyethyleneoxy)₆₋₉propyl]tris(dimethylamino)silane. The reaction is generally stirred for about 5 min and the temperature increased for a period of time (e.g., 110° C. for 20 h). After cooling, the particles are isolated via filtration and washed to remove residual solvent and reagents. The particles are then dispersed in a hydrolysis mixture. In specific embodiments, the mixture comprises acetone and aqueous ammonium acetate. The mixture is generally warmed for a period of time to complete the reaction, following which the particles are isolated by filtration, washed and dried.

A stationary phase material produced from any of the above methods (such as, e.g., contacting with a hydroxy-terminated polyethylene glycol reagent; treating with an aqueous hydrolysis solution; and optionally further treating with a methoxy-terminated polyethylene glycol reagent) is within the scope of the present technology.

Columns

For use in SEC, generally, the stationary phase will be immobilized in a housing having a wall defining a chamber, for example, a column having an interior for accepting the stationary phase material. Such columns will have a length and a diameter.

In some embodiments, the length of the column is about 300 mm. In some embodiments, the length of the column is about 150 mm. In some embodiments, the length of the column is less than about 300 mm, less than about 150 mm, less than about 100 mm, or less than about 50 mm. In some embodiments, the length of the column is about 50 mm, about 30 mm, about 20 mm, or about 10 mm.

In some embodiments, the column has a bore size of about 4.6 mm inside diameter (i.d.). In some embodiments, the column has a bore size of greater than 4.6 mm i.d. In some embodiments, the column has a bore size of about 7.8 mm i.d. In some embodiments, the column has a bore size of greater than 7.8 mm i.d. In some embodiments, the column has a bore size of greater than about 4 mm i.d., greater than about 5 mm i.d., greater than about 6 mm i.d., or greater than about 7 mm i.d.

Methods of Performing Size Exclusion Chromatography

Disclosed herein is a method for performing size exclusion chromatography (SEC). The method generally comprises contacting a sample containing at least one analyte with an immobilized stationary phase within a column, flowing a mobile phase through the immobilized stationary phase for a period of time, and eluting the at least one analyte from the immobilized stationary phase in said mobile phase.

Typically, methods of performing SEC for separation of proteinaceous analytes utilize a mobile phase comprising a buffer and a salt, and may include mild chaotropes, surfactants, or organic solvents. A mobile phase composition works to keep the analyte in its native form, prevent or reduce aggregation, and yield a quality separation and peak shape. Undesired (e.g., hydrophobic) interactions leading to poor chromatography are generally mitigated through mobile phase optimization, particularly utilizing various salts or organic co-solvents in a variety of concentrations in an attempt to reduce ionic and hydrophobic secondary interactions. However, such optimization is not always straightforward, and increasing the salt concentration or adding organic co-solvents can induce aggregation or denaturation, leading to a decrease in native monomer. Further, the addition of high concentrations of salts can exacerbate hydrophobic interactions. For example, a mobile phase with sufficient ionic strength to ensure analyte stability and solubility can inadvertently cause secondary interactions, leading to poor peak shape and recovery. The problem of hydrophobic interactions can be most easily evidenced when separating analytes with hydrophobic moieties such as antibody drug conjugates (ADCs).

In one aspect is provided a method for performing size exclusion chromatography on a sample containing at least one analyte, the method comprising:

-   -   a. contacting said sample with a column chromatography device         comprising a column having an interior for accepting a         stationary phase, and an immobilized stationary phase within         said interior of the column, wherein the immobilized stationary         phase comprises porous particles having a diameter with a mean         size distribution of between about 1 and about 20 μm; an average         pore size from about 40 to about 3000 Å; and wherein said porous         particles are surface modified with a hydroxy-terminated         polyethylene oxide at a surface concentration from about 0.5 to         about 5.0 μmoles/m²;     -   b. flowing a mobile phase through the immobilized stationary         phase for a period of time, the mobile phase comprising water; a         buffer; and optionally, an amino acid or derivative thereof; and     -   c. eluting the at least one analyte from the immobilized         stationary phase in the mobile phase.

Each of the components of the disclosed method are described further herein below.

Analyte

The method for performing size exclusion chromatography as disclosed herein comprises a sample containing at least one analyte. Notably, the utility of the presently disclosed method is not limited to biopharmaceuticals or proteinaceous analytes. In some embodiments, the at least one analyte comprises a small molecule drug, a natural product, or a polymer. In some embodiments, the at least one analyte comprises one or more biomolecules. In some embodiments, the biomolecule is a nucleic acid (e.g., RNA, DNA, oligonucleotide), protein (e.g., fusion protein), peptide, antibody (e.g., monoclonal antibody (mAb)), antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), polysaccharides, virus, virus-like particle, viral vector (e.g., gene therapy viral vector, adeno-associated viral vector), biosimilar, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the at least one analyte comprises a nucleic acid, a polysaccharide, a peptide, a polypeptide, a protein, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the at least one analyte comprises an adeno-associated virus, an adenovirus, mRNA, DNA, a plasmid, an exosome, an extracellular vesicle, a lipid nanoparticle encapsulated nucleic acid, or a combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the at least one analyte comprises an antibody. In some embodiments, the at least one analyte comprises a monoclonal antibody (mAb). In some embodiments, the at least one analyte comprises a high molecular weight species or aggregate form of an antibody. In some embodiments the at least one analyte is an antibody-drug conjugate.

Mobile Phase

Methods for performing SEC generally comprise flowing a mobile phase through an immobilized stationary phase for a period of time. In certain specific embodiments, the mobile phase and, optionally the sample, are provided by a high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) system.

A mobile phase composition works to keep the analyte in its native form, prevent or reduce aggregation, and yield a quality separation and peak shape. Undesired (e.g., hydrophobic) interactions leading to poor chromatography are generally mitigated through mobile phase optimization, particularly utilizing various salts or organic co-solvents in a variety of concentrations in an attempt to reduce ionic and hydrophobic secondary interactions. Surprisingly, according to the present disclosure, it has been found that when using the novel hydroxyl-terminated polyethylene glycol surface modified stationary phase materials as disclosed herein, secondary interactions are reduced, simplifying the optimization of mobile phase compositions and providing separations which are less sensitive to changes in mobile phase constituents, pH, temperature, and the like.

Buffer

In some embodiments, the mobile phase comprises a buffer. Buffers serve to control the ionic strength and the pH of the mobile phase. Many different substances may be used as buffers depending on the nature of the analyte. Non-limiting examples of suitable buffers include phosphates, tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane, and acetates. In some embodiments, the buffer comprises phosphate. In some embodiments, the buffer comprises acetate. In some embodiments, the buffer is ammonium acetate. In some embodiments, the buffer is an alkali metal phosphate. In some embodiments, the buffer is a sodium or potassium phosphate. In some embodiments, the buffer is sodium phosphate monobasic, sodium phosphate dibasic, or a combination thereof.

The concentration of the buffer may vary depending on the desired pH and ionic strength of the mobile phase. In some embodiments, the buffer is present at a concentration from about 10 to about 100 mM, such as from about 10, about 20, about 20, about 40, or about 50, to about 60, about 70, about 80, about 90, or about 100 mM.

The pH of the mobile phase may vary. In some embodiments, the pH value of the mobile phase is from about 5.0 to about 8.0. In some embodiments, the pH value of the mobile phase is from about 6.0 to about 7.5. In some embodiments, the pH is from about 6.0, or about 6.5, to about 7.0, or about 7.5. In some embodiments, the pH is about 6.0, about 6.1, about 6.2, about 6.3, about 6.4, about 6.5, about 6.6, about 6.7, about 6.8, about 6.9, about 7.0, about 7.1, about 7.2, about 7.3, about 7.4, or about 7.5.

Salts

In some embodiments, the mobile phase comprises a salt. As used herein, the term “salt” refers to an ionic compound comprising an alkali or alkaline earth metal and a halogen (e.g., fluoride, chloride, bromide, iodide). Undesired interactions can be mitigated through utilizing a salt to reduce ionic secondary interactions. However, increasing the salt concentration can induce aggregation and thus lead to a decrease in native monomer, and the addition of high concentrations of salt can exacerbate hydrophobic interactions, and complicates mobile phase optimization. When present, suitable salts include, but are not limited to, sodium chloride and potassium chloride. Suitable concentrations of salts in the mobile phase range from about 10 to about 200 mM. In other embodiments, the mobile phase is free of salts.

Co-Solvents

In some embodiments, the mobile phase comprises an organic co-solvent. Organic co-solvents such as methanol, ethanol, isopropanol or acetonitrile are common additives to SEC mobile phases. However, such co-solvents may result in protein denaturing of proteinaceous analytes. In some embodiments, the mobile phase is free of organic co-solvents. In some embodiments, the mobile phase does not include an organic co-solvent and does not include a salt. In other embodiments, the mobile phase comprises a co-solvent. In the case of PEO modified stationary phase surfaces as described herein, conformational changes of the polymer chains can occur depending on method conditions, which can result in an increase in hydrophobic character of these surfaces. In certain embodiments, for example, in the separation of antibody-drug conjugates, such increased hydrophobic character may result in poor peak shape and reduced resolution. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the mobile phase comprises an organic co-solvent in an amount up to about 15% by volume in the mobile phase. In some embodiments, the co-solvent is acetonitrile. In some embodiments, the co-solvent is isopropanol. In some embodiments, the isopropanol is present in an amount from about 5 to about 15% by volume.

Amino Acids

In some embodiments, the mobile phase comprises an amino acid or derivative thereof. Amino acids are molecules containing an amine group, a carboxylic acid group, and a side-chain that is specific to each amino acid. As used herein, the term “amino acid” includes the known, naturally occurring protein amino acids, which are referred to by both their common three letter abbreviation and full names. The term “amino acid” also includes stereoisomers and modifications of the naturally occurring protein amino acids, as well as including non-protein amino acids, post-translationally modified amino acids, enzymatically synthesized amino acids, derivatized amino acids, and the like.

In some embodiments, the amino acid is an alpha (α)-amino acid. α-amino acids have the generic formula H₂N—C_(α)HR—COOH, where R is a side chain moiety and the amino group is attached to the carbon atom immediately adjacent to the carboxylate group (i.e., the α-carbon). The various α-amino acids differ in the side-chain moiety that is attached to the α-carbon. The side group may include a charged group (positive, negative, or zwitterionic), a polar uncharged group, a non-polar (e.g., alkyl) group, a hydrophobic moiety, a cyclic group, an aromatic or, any combination thereof.

Other suitable types of amino acid include those where the amino group is attached to a different carbon atom. For example, beta (β)-amino acids, in which the carbon atom to which the amino group is attached is separated from the carboxylate group by one carbon atom, C_(β). For example, while α-alanine has the formula H₂N—CaH(CH₃)—COOH, β-alanine has the general formula H₂N—C_(β)H₂-C_(α)H₂—COOH (i.e., 3-aminopropanoic acid). Gamma (γ)-amino acids are amino acids in which the carbon atom to which the amino group attaches is separated from the carboxylate moiety by two carbon atoms. For example, γ-amino butyric acid has the formula, H₂N—C_(γ)H₂-C_(β)H₂—C_(α)H₂—COOH.

In some embodiments, the amino acid is a proteinogenic amino acid. The term “proteinogenic amino acid” means that the amino acid is one of the 20 amino acids which are encoded for and incorporated into proteins in nature. Such amino acids are generally referred to as “natural” amino acids, and have the L-stereochemistry. In some embodiments, the amino acid is alanine, arginine, asparagine, aspartic acid, cysteine, glutamic acid, glutamine, glycine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenyl alanine, proline, serine, threonine, tryptophan, tyrosine, valine, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the amino acid is L-arginine. In some embodiments, the amino acid is L-lysine.

In some embodiments, the amino acid is a non-natural amino acid, or is a non-proteinogenic amino acid. Non-limiting examples of such amino acids which may be suitable include creatine, creatinine, 4-gaunidinobutyric acid, taurine, γ-amino butyric acid, and ornithine. In some embodiments, the amino acid is L-ornithine.

In some embodiments, the amino acid is selected from the group consisting of arginine, ornithine, lysine, and combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the amino acid is an amino acid derivative. The term “derivative” as used herein includes any modification to or variation in portion of an amino acid, including modification of a naturally occurring amino acid side chain moiety. Modifications to an amino acid include, but are not limited to, esterification, alkylation, acylation, halogenation, sulfonation, nitration, and carboxylation.

In some embodiments, the amino acid derivative is an N-acylated amino acid.

In some embodiments, the amino acid derivative is an alkyl ester of the amino acid. In particular embodiments, the amino acid derivative is arginine methyl ester.

When present, the concentration of the amino acid or derivative thereof in the mobile phase may vary. In some embodiments, the amino acid or derivative thereof is present in the mobile phase at a concentration from about 5 to about 50 mM, such as from about 5, about 10, about 20, or about 30, to about 40, or about 50 mM. In some embodiments, the amino acid or derivative thereof is present in the mobile phase at a concentration from about 5 to about 20 mM. In some embodiments, the amino acid or derivative thereof is present in the mobile phase at a concentration of about 10 mM. In embodiments where combinations of amino acids are utilized, such concentrations refer to the total, and not the individual concentrations. In some embodiments, the mobile phase does not comprise an amino acid or derivative thereof.

Conditions Flow Rate

SEC separations using the stationary phase material as disclosed herein may be conducted by flowing the mobile phase through the stationary phase at a variety of different flow rates, which may be determined by one of skill in the art based on scale, stationary phase particle size, difficulty of separation, and the like. In some embodiments, flowing the mobile phase through the immobilized stationary phase is performed at a flow rate from about 0.2 mL/min to about 3 mL/min. In certain embodiments, the flow rate is about 1 mL/min. In some embodiments, the flow rate is about 2 mL/min. In some embodiments, the flow rate is about 3 mL/min. In some embodiments, the flow rate is less than 1 mL/min, such as from about 0.05, about 0.1, about 0.2, about 0.3, about 0.4, or about 0.5, to about 0.6, about 0.7, about 0.8, about 0.9, or about 1 mL/min. In some embodiments, the flow rate is about 0.25, about 0.30, or about 0.35 mL/min.

Temperature

The temperature at which the chromatography is performed (i.e., column temperature) may vary. In some embodiments, the column temperature is from about 20 to about 50° C., such as about 30, about 35, about 40, about 45, or about 50° C. In some embodiments, the method as disclosed herein is insensitive to variations in column temperature, meaning retention time, peak shape and height, and analyte stability are maintained across a range of temperatures (e.g., from about 20 to about 50° C.). As disclosed herein, in certain embodiments, higher monomer peak efficiency may be obtained using sub-ambient column temperatures. Specifically, with reference to Example 14, as column temperature was increased from 21 to 35° C., and then 45° C., peak efficiency decreased and peak tailing increased significantly, indicating an increase in hydrophobic interactions. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the column temperature is less than about 45° C., less than about 35° C., or less than about 25° C., such as from about 15 to about 25° C.

Time

The time required for the SEC separation will vary depending on many factors, but will generally be less than about 60 minutes, less than about 50 minutes, less than about 40 minutes, less than about 30 minutes, less than about 20 minutes, less than about 10 minutes, less than about 5 minutes, less than about 4 minutes, less than about 3 minutes, less than about 2 minutes, or less than about 1 minute. In particular, the time will be determined by the elution time of the analyte of interest. In some embodiments, the retention time is reproducible from run to run, and is relatively unaffected by changes in temperature, pH, buffer concentration, and the like.

Detection

Many suitable options exist for methods of detecting the presence of an analyte in the mobile phase exiting from the stationary phase material. In some embodiments, the detector is a refractive index detector, a UV detector, a light-scattering detector, a mass spectrometer, or combinations thereof. In specific embodiments, the detector is a UV detector. Numerous detectors are available; however, a specific detector is a Waters ACQUITY® UPLC® Tunable UV Detector (Waters Corporation, Milford, Mass., USA).

Reduction in Secondary Interactions

The hydroxy-terminated PEG-based surfaces of the present disclosure provide a significant chromatographic performance advantage over methoxy-terminated PEG-based surfaces with respect to reduced secondary interactions (i.e., surface resistance to non-specific adsorption for SEC analytes). The improvements in chromatographic performance may be characterized by an improvement in one or more of peak shape, peak area, peak tailing, analyte recovery, or decreased inter-run variability. Such improvements can be quantified by calculation of factors such as USP tailing and asymmetry @4.4, and width at half height for analyte peaks.

Such improvements are provided without the need for complex mobile phase optimization, which for typical bioanalyses includes modulating pH, ionic strength via salt addition, the addition of chaotropes to reduce aggregation and stabilize protein conformation, and the addition of organic co-solvents. The requirement for individual optimization for each analyte increases the technical difficulty of the separation. Reducing undesired secondary interactions thus increases the value of the separation method. Furthermore, the reduction in mobile phase alterations enables the use of a broader range of detectors. Reduced salt loads, especially non-volatile salts such as potassium or sodium chloride, affords easier hyphenation of mass spectrometers. Also, reducing the salt load decreases the likelihood of particulates, thus orthogonally assisting in keeping the system in prime operating order. Reduced organic co-solvent usage for proteinaceous analytes reduces the chance of irreversible denaturation. Broader pH ranges allow for greater harmony between an analyte's solubility and native structures needs and the mobile phase. This culminates into a much broader applicability.

In some embodiments, a column comprising the stationary phase material as disclosed herein, as compared to a reference column having a stationary phase comprising porous particles which do not have a hydroxy-terminated polyethylene glycol modified surface, provides one or more of:

-   -   a reduction in ionic secondary interactions of analytes with the         stationary phase material in SEC separations performed on said         column;     -   a reduction in hydrophobic secondary interactions of analytes         with the stationary phase material in SEC separations performed         on said column;     -   a reduced dependence on mobile phase pH in SEC separations         performed on said column;     -   a reduced dependence on column temperature in SEC separations         performed on said column;     -   wherein said reductions are determined by an improvement in peak         shape as calculated from USP Peak Tailing, Asymmetry @ 4.4, Peak         Width @ 50%, or a combination thereof.

In some embodiments, as compared to a reference column having a stationary phase comprising porous particles which do not have a hydroxy-terminated polyethylene glycol modified surface, the column provides enhanced peak resolution in SEC separations performed on said column, enhanced reproducibility of SEC separations performed on said column, or both.

All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the materials and methods and does not pose a limitation on the scope unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the disclosed materials and methods.

It will be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the relevant arts that suitable modifications and adaptations to the compositions, methods, and applications described herein can be made without departing from the scope of any embodiments or aspects thereof. The compositions and methods provided are exemplary and are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed embodiments. All of the various embodiments, aspects, and options disclosed herein can be combined in all variations. The scope of the compositions, formulations, methods, and processes described herein include all actual or potential combinations of embodiments, aspects, options, examples, and preferences herein.

Although the technology herein has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the present technology. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the method and apparatus of the present technology without departing from the spirit and scope of the technology. Thus, it is intended that the present technology include modifications and variations that are within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “certain embodiments,” “one or more embodiments” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the technology. Thus, the appearances of phrases such as “in one or more embodiments,” “in certain embodiments,” “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment of the technology. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, materials, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. Any ranges cited herein are inclusive.

Aspects of the present technology are more fully illustrated with reference to the following examples. Before describing several exemplary embodiments of the technology, it is to be understood that the technology is not limited to the details of construction or process steps set forth in the following description. The technology is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in various ways. The following examples are set forth to illustrate certain aspects of the present technology and are not to be construed as limiting thereof.

EXAMPLES

The present invention may be further illustrated by the following non-limiting examples describing the chromatographic devices and methods.

Materials

All reagents were used as received unless otherwise noted. Those skilled in the art will recognize that equivalents of the following supplies and suppliers exist and, as such, the suppliers listed below are not to be construed as limiting.

The NISTmAb reference standard RM8671, referred to herein as “NISTmAb,” was obtained from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST; Gaithersburg, Md.). The NISTmAb material is a recombinant humanized IgG1κ expressed in murine suspension culture. It is an ˜150 kDa homodimer of two identical light chains and two identical heavy chains linked through both inter- and intra-chain disulfide bonds. A vial of RM 8671 contains 800 μL of 10 mg/mL IgG1κ monoclonal antibody in 12.5 mmol/L L-histidine, 12.5 mmol/L L-histidine HCl (pH 6.0).

Formulated ado-trastuzumab emtasine (Kadcyla, 2 mg/mL) was obtained from Genentech and diluted to 2-5 mg/mL concentration. Kadcyla was chosen due to the difficulty in mobile phase optimization owing to hydrophobic secondary interactions typically encountered in SEC separations.

Methods

The surface area (SA), pore volume (PV), and pore diameter (PD) of materials provided herein were measured using the multi-point N sorption method (Micromeritics ASAP 2400; Micromeritics Instruments Inc., Norcross, Ga.). The SA was calculated using the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) method, the PV was the single point value determined for P/Pd-0.98 to 0.99, and the PD was calculated from the desorption leg of the isotherm using the Barrett, Joyner, and Halenda (BJH) method. For average PD values above 500 Å, the pore diameter and pore volume were measured by mercury porosimetry (Micromeritics AutoPore IV. Micromeritics, Norcross, Ga.). Skeletal densities were measured using a Micromeritics AccuPyc1330 Helium Pycnometer (V2.04N, Norcross, Ga.).

Particle sizes were measured using a Beckman Coulter Multisizer 3 analyzer (Miami, Fla.; 30-um aperture, 70,000 counts). The particle diameter (dp) was measured as the 50% cumulative diameter of the volume-based particle size distribution. The width of the distribution was measured as the 90% cumulative volume diameter divided by the 10% cumulative volume diameter (denoted 90/10 ratio).

The surface coverage was determined by the difference in particle % carbon before and after the surface modification, as measured by elemental analysis. Percent carbon (% C) and percent nitrogen (% N) values were measured by combustion analysis using a LECO TruMac carbon-nitrogen/sulfur Analyzer (Leco Corporation, Michigan, US).

Embodiments of stationary phase materials were prepared as described below in the Examples. The stationary phase materials of Examples 1-3 and 6-7 were evaluated for SEC performance and compared against several reference columns (Reference Examples 8 and 9, and several commercial reference columns). Specifically, each column stationary phase material was evaluated for ionic and hydrophobic secondary interactions.

When a protein analyte and the stationary phase carry the same charge, ion-exclusion takes place due to electrostatic repulsion (decrease in protein elution time). When the protein and the stationary phase carry an opposite charge, ion-exchange takes place (increase in elution time). To evaluate such ionic secondary interactions effects, NISTmAb injections were performed in mobile phases with increasing salt concentrations (100 mM sodium phosphate dibasic, pH 6.8, with 0, 50, 100 and 200 mM NaCl) and % change in USP tailing was calculated.

Hydrophobic secondary interactions between the protein and hydrophobic sites on the stationary phase can lead to increased retention and poor peak shape for proteins. To evaluate such hydrophobic secondary interactions effects, antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) injections of Kadcyla were performed in mobile phases with increasing acetonitrile % (100 mM Sodium Phosphate dibasic, 200 mM NaCl, pH 6.8, with 0, 5, 10 and 15% ACN) and % change in USP tailing was calculated.

All separations were performed using a commercially available high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) system (ACQUITY® UPLC® H-Class Bio system; available from Waters Corporation, Milford, Mass.). Unless otherwise indicated, separations were performed at a temperature of 30° C. and a flow rate of 0.35 mL/min, with detection by UV absorption at 280 nm.

Stationary Phase Preparation

A series of prototype (Examples 1-7) and reference (Examples 8 and 9) stationary phase materials were prepared having different base particle materials and pore diameters. The base particles, modifications, and surface coverage are summarized below in Table 2.

Example 1. Hydroxy-Terminated PEG, Inorganic-Organic Hybrid Ethylene Bridged Particles, Average Pore Diameter of 270 Å

A stationary phase comprising hydroxy-terminated polyethylene glycol (PEG) bonded inorganic-organic hybrid ethylene bridged particles was prepared. The organic/inorganic hybrid particles with an empirical formula SiO₂(O_(1.5)SiCH₂CH₂SiO_(1.5))_(0.25) were synthesized in a sol-gel synthesis by the co-condensation of 1,2-bis(triethoxysilyl)ethane (BTEE) with tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) using the procedures reported in Wyndham et al., Analytical Chemistry 2003, 75, 6781-6788 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,686,035, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The obtained inorganic-organic hybrid ethylene bridged particles had an average particle size of 1.7 μm and an average pore diameter of 270 Å. The surface area was 171 m²/g, and the pore volume was 1.26 cm³/g.

The inorganic-organic hybrid ethylene bridged particles were then bonded to form the hydroxy-terminated PEG bonded stationary phase particles. The inorganic-organic hybrid ethylene bridged particles were dispersed in toluene (10 mL/g). The residual water was removed from the material by azeotropic distillation (110° C., 1-2 h). The reaction temperature was reduced below 40° C. and concentrated hydrochloric acid (200 μL/g particles) was added, followed by [hydroxy(polyethyleneoxy)₈₋₁₂propyl]triethoxysilane (8 μmol/m²). The reaction was stirred for 5 min and the temperature was increased to 110° C. for 20 h. The reaction was then cooled to RT and the particles were isolated via filtration. The particles were subsequently washed using the following sequence: 5× toluene, 1× acetone, 4× acetone/water (1:1 v/v), and 2× acetone.

Following the bonding reaction, hydrolysis of remaining ethoxysilyl groups was performed with ammonium acetate. The particles were dispersed in a mixture of acetone (8.2 mL/g particle) and 0.12 M ammonium acetate solution (1.8 mL/g particle), and the mixture was stirred at 59° C. for 2 h. The reaction was then cooled <40° C. and the particles were isolated via filtration. The isolated particles were subsequently washed three times with acetone/water (1:1 v/v) and twice with acetone. The isolated, surface modified particles were dried under vacuum at 70° C. for 16 h. The surface coverage of the hydroxy-terminated PEG was 1.73 μmol/m². The hydroxy-terminated PEG bonded stationary phase particles were loaded in a 4.6×150 mm column.

Example 2. Hydroxy-Terminated PEG, Inorganic-Organic Hybrid Ethylene Bridged Particles, Average Pore Diameter of 200 Å

A stationary phase comprising hydroxy-terminated polyethylene glycol (PEG) bonded inorganic-organic hybrid ethylene bridged particles. The organic/inorganic hybrid particles with an empirical formula SiO₂(O_(1.5)SiCH₂CH₂SiO_(1.5))_(0.25) were synthesized in a sol-gel synthesis by the co-condensation of 1,2-bis(triethoxysilyl)ethane (BTEE) with tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) using the procedures reported in Wyndham et al., Analytical Chemistry 2003, 75, 6781-6788 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,686,035, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The obtained inorganic-organic hybrid ethylene bridged particles had an average particle size of 1.9 μm and an average pore diameter of 200 Å. The surface area was 217 m²/g, and the pore volume was 1.31 cm³/g.

The inorganic-organic hybrid ethylene bridged particles were then bonded to form the hydroxy-terminated PEG bonded stationary phase particles. The inorganic-organic hybrid ethylene bridged particles were dispersed in toluene (10 mL/g). The residual water was removed from the material by azeotropic distillation (110° C., 1-2 h). The reaction temperature was reduced below 40° C. and concentrated hydrochloric acid (200 μL/g particles) was added, followed by [hydroxy(polyethyleneoxy)₈₋₁₂propyl]triethoxysilane (8 μmol/m²). The reaction was stirred for 5 min and the temperature was increased to 110° C. for 20 h. The reaction was then cooled to RT and the particles were isolated via filtration. The particles were subsequently washed using the following sequence: 5× toluene, 1× acetone, 4× acetone/water (1:1 v/v), and 2× acetone.

Following the bonding reaction, hydrolysis of remaining ethoxysilyl groups was performed with ammonium acetate. The particles were dispersed in a mixture of acetone (8.2 mL/g particle) and 0.12 M ammonium acetate solution (1.8 mL/g particle), and the mixture was stirred at 59° C. for 2 h. The reaction was then cooled <40° C. and the particles were isolated via filtration. The isolated particles were subsequently washed three times with acetone/water (1:1 v/v) and twice with acetone. The isolated, surface modified particles were dried under vacuum at 70° C. for 16 h. The surface coverage of the hydroxy-terminated PEG was 1.79 μmol/m². The hydroxy-terminated PEG bonded stationary phase particles were loaded in a 4.6×150 mm column.

Example 3. Hydroxy-Terminated PEG, Inorganic-Organic Hybrid Ethylene Bridged Particles, Average Pore Diameter of 125 Å

A stationary phase comprising hydroxy-terminated polyethylene glycol (PEG) bonded inorganic-organic hybrid ethylene bridged particles. The organic/inorganic hybrid particles with an empirical formula SiO₂(O_(1.5)SiCH₂CH₂SiO_(1.5))_(0.25) were synthesized in a sol-gel synthesis by the co-condensation of 1,2-bis(triethoxysilyl)ethane (BTEE) with tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) using the procedures reported in Wyndham et al., Analytical Chemistry 2003, 75, 6781-6788 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,686,035, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The obtained inorganic-organic hybrid ethylene bridged particles had an average particle size of 1.7 μm and an average pore diameter of 125 Å.

The inorganic-organic hybrid ethylene bridged particles were then bonded to form the hydroxy-terminated PEG bonded stationary phase particles. The inorganic-organic hybrid ethylene bridged particles were dispersed in toluene (10 mL/g). The residual water was removed from the material by azeotropic distillation (110° C., 1-2 h). The reaction temperature was reduced below 40° C. and concentrated hydrochloric acid (200 μL/g particles) was added, followed by [hydroxy(polyethyleneoxy)₈₋₁₂propyl]triethoxysilane (8 μmol/m²). The reaction was stirred for 5 min and the temperature was increased to 110° C. for 20 h. The reaction was then cooled to RT and the particles were isolated via filtration. The particles were subsequently washed using the following sequence: 5× toluene, 1× acetone, 4× acetone/water (1:1 v/v), and 2× acetone.

Following the bonding reaction, hydrolysis of remaining ethoxysilyl groups was performed with ammonium acetate. The particles were dispersed in a mixture of acetone (8.2 mL/g particle) and 0.12 M ammonium acetate solution (1.8 mL/g particle), and the mixture was stirred at 59° C. for 2 h. The reaction was then cooled <40° C. and the particles were isolated via filtration. The isolated particles were subsequently washed three times with acetone/water (1:1 v/v) and twice with acetone. The isolated, surface modified particles were dried under vacuum at 70° C. for 16 h. The surface coverage of the hydroxy-terminated PEG was 1.58 μmol/m². The hydroxy-terminated PEG bonded stationary phase particles were loaded in a 4.6×150 mm column.

Example 4. Coated Inorganic-Organic Hybrid Ethylene Bridged Particles, Average Pore Diameter of 270 Å

A silane reagent (4A) was prepared from the incomplete hydrolytic condensation of [hydroxy(polyethyleneoxy)₈₋₁₂propyl]triethoxysilane. To [hydroxy(polyethyleneoxy)₈₋₁₂propyl]triethoxysilane was added ethanol (3.1 mol ethanol/mol silane reagent) and 0.1 M HCl (13.5 g/gmol of silane reagent). The solution was heated at 70° C. for 18 h under an inert atmosphere. The reaction temperature was then increased to 90° C. for atmospheric distillation to remove the ethanol. The temperature was then increased to 100° C. for 1 h under an inert atmosphere. The reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature to obtain 4A, the product of the incomplete (˜50%) condensation reaction.

Inorganic-organic hybrid ethylene bridged particles (270 Å; prepared following the method as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,686,035) were fully dispersed in toluene (21 mL/g of particles). The surface area was 168 m²/g, and the pore volume was 1.19 cm³/g. The residual water was removed from the material by azeotropic distillation (110° C., 1 h). The reaction temperature was held at 40° C. while the silane reagent 4A (1.0 g/g particle) was added and allowed to stir for 10 minutes. Catalytic aqueous NH₄OH was added (0.05 g/g particle). The reaction was stirred for an additional 10 minutes at 40° C., then increased to 60° C. for 2 h. The reaction was then cooled to room temperature and the particles were isolated via filtration. The particles were subsequently washed twice with ethanol (10 ml/g) then dispersed in 70/30 (v/v) water/ethanol (10 mL/g). Ammonium hydroxide solution (1 g NH₄OH/g particle) was added, and the mixture was stirred at 50° C. for 2 h. The reaction was then cooled <40° C. and the particles were isolated via filtration. The isolated particles were washed (10 ml/g) using the following sequence: 2× methanol/water (1:1 v/v) and 2× methanol. The isolated, surface modified particles were dried at 70° C. for 16 h under vacuum. The process was repeated as needed to achieve the desired concentration of surface modifier.

To ensure uniformity of the PEG coating layer, the modified particles were exposed to elevated temperatures (100-140° C.) and pH (8-9.8) following the hydrothermal treatment process according to the procedures reported in Jiang (U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,686,035; 7,223,473; and 7,919,177) and Wyndham (International Patent Application Publication No. WO/103423).

The modified particles were then dispersed in 1.0 M HCl solution (8.4 mL/g particle) and the mixture was stirred at 100° C. for 20 h. The reaction was then cooled below 40° C. and the particles were isolated via filtration. The isolated particles were washed with water until the pH of the filtrate was higher than 5 and then washed with methanol ×3. The isolated, surface modified particles were dried under vacuum at 70° C. for 16 h. The surface coverage of the modified particles was 1.10 μmol/m².

Example 5. Coated Inorganic-Organic Hybrid Ethylene Bridged Particles, Average Pore Diameter of 270 Å

A silane reagent (5A) was prepared from the incomplete (˜50%) hydrolytic condensation of [hydroxy(polyethyleneoxy)₈₋₁₂propyl]triethoxysilane with tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS). To [hydroxy(polyethyleneoxy)₈₋₁₂propyl]triethoxysilane was added ethanol (3.1 mol ethanol/mol silane reagent), TEOS (1:1 molar ratio with the PEG reagent) and 0.1 M HCl (15.6 g/mol silane reagent). The solution was heated at 70° C. for 18 h under an inert atmosphere. The reaction temperature was then increased to 90° C. for atmospheric distillation to remove the ethanol. The temperature was then increased to 100° C. for 1 h under an inert atmosphere. The reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature to obtain the incomplete condensation product 5A.

Inorganic-organic hybrid ethylene bridged particles (270 Å; prepared following the method as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,686,035) were fully dispersed in toluene (21 mL/g of particles). The surface area was 168 m²/g, and the pore volume was 1.19 cm³/g. The residual water was removed from the material by azeotropic distillation (110° C., 1 h). The reaction temperature was held at 40° C. while the silane reagent 5A (1.0 g/g particle) was added and allowed to stir for 10 minutes. Catalytic aqueous NH₄OH was added (0.05 g/g particle). The reaction was stirred for an additional 10 minutes at 40° C., then increased to 60° C. for 2 h. The reaction was then cooled to room temperature and the particles were isolated via filtration. The particles were subsequently washed twice with ethanol (10 ml/g) then dispersed in 70/30 (v/v) water/ethanol (10 mL/g). Ammonium hydroxide solution (1 g NH₄OH/g particle) was added, and the mixture was stirred at 50° C. for 2 h. The reaction was then cooled <40° C. and the particles were isolated via filtration. The isolated particles were washed (10 ml/g) using the following sequence: 2× methanol/water (1:1 v/v) and 2× methanol. The isolated, surface modified particles were dried at 70° C. for 16 h under vacuum. The process was repeated as needed to achieve the desired concentration of surface modifier.

To ensure uniformity of the PEG coating layer, the modified particles were exposed to elevated temperatures (100-140° C.) and pH (8-9.8) following the hydrothermal treatment process according to the procedures reported in Jiang (U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,686,035; 7,223,473; and 7,919,177) and Wyndham (International Patent Application Publication No. WO2008/103423).

The modified particles were then dispersed in 1.0 M HCL solution (8.4 mL/g particle) and the mixture was stirred at 100° C. for 20 h. The reaction was then cooled below 40° C. and the particles were isolated via filtration. The isolated particles were washed with water until the pH of the filtrate was higher than 5 and then washed with methanol ×3. The isolated, surface modified particles were dried under vacuum at 70° C. for 16 h. The surface coverage of the modified particles was 0.86 μmol/m².

Example 6. Coated and Bonded Inorganic-Organic Hybrid Ethylene Bridged Particles, Average Pore Diameter of 270 Å

Porous coated particles prepared according to Example 4 were fully dispersed in toluene (20 mL/g). The residual water was removed from the material by an azeotropic strip (110° C., 3 h). The reaction temperature was cooled below 40° C. and 2-[methoxy(polyethyleneoxy)₆₋₉propyl]tris(dimethylamino)silane (8 μmol/m²) was added. The reaction was stirred for 5 min and the temperature was increased to 110° C. for 20 h. The reaction was then cooled to room temperature and the particles were isolated via filtration. The particles were subsequently washed using the following sequence: 7× toluene, 1× acetone, 6× acetone/water (1:1 v/v), and 2× acetone. The particles were then dispersed in the solution of acetone (8.2 mL/g particle) and 0.12 M ammonium acetate solution (1.8 mL/g particle) and the mixture was stirred at 59° C. for 2 h. The reaction was then cooled below 40° C. and the particles were isolated via filtration. The isolated particles were subsequently washed three times with acetone/water (1:1 v/v) and twice with acetone, then dried at 70° C. for 16 h under vacuum. The surface coverage of the modified particles was 1.08 μmol/m². The hydroxy-terminated PEG coated, methoxy-terminated PEG bonded stationary phase particles were loaded in a 4.6×150 mm column.

Example 7. Coated and Bonded Inorganic-Organic Hybrid Ethylene Bridged Particles, Average Pore Diameter of 270 Å

Porous coated particles prepared according to Example 5 were fully dispersed in toluene (20 mL/g). The residual water was removed from the material by an azeotropic strip (110° C., 3 h). The reaction temperature was cooled below 40° C. and 2-[methoxy(polyethyleneoxy)₆₋₉ propyl]tris(dimethylamino)silane (8 μmol/m²) was added. The reaction was stirred for 5 min and the temperature was increased to 110° C. for 20 h. The reaction was then cooled to room temperature and the particles were isolated via filtration. The particles were subsequently washed using the following sequence: 7× toluene, 1× acetone, 6× acetone/water (1:1 v/v), and 2× acetone. The particles were then dispersed in the solution of acetone (8.2 mL/g particle) and 0.12 M ammonium acetate solution (1.8 mL/g particle) and the mixture was stirred at 59° C. for 2 h. The reaction was then cooled below 40° C. and the particles were isolated via filtration. The isolated particles were subsequently washed three times with acetone/water (1:1 v/v) and twice with acetone, then dried at 70° C. for 16 h under vacuum. The surface coverage of the modified particles was 1.03 μmol/m². The hydroxy-terminated PEG/TEOS coated, methoxy-terminated PEG bonded stationary phase particles were loaded in a 4.6×150 mm column.

Example 8. Reference Methoxy-Terminated PEG, Inorganic-Organic Hybrid Ethylene Bridged Particles, Average Pore Diameter of 270 Å

A reference stationary phase comprising methoxy-terminated polyethylene glycol (PEG) bonded inorganic-organic hybrid ethylene bridged particles. The organic/inorganic hybrid particles with an empirical formula SiO₂(O_(1.5)SiCH₂CH₂SiO_(1.5))_(0.25) were synthesized in a sol-gel synthesis by the co-condensation of 1,2-bis(triethoxysilyl)ethane (BTEE) with tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) using the procedures reported in Wyndham et al., Analytical Chemistry 2003, 75, 6781-6788 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,686,035, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The obtained inorganic-organic hybrid ethylene bridged particles had an average particle size of 1.7 μm and an average pore diameter of 270 Å. The surface area was 168 m²/g, and the pore volume was 1.19 cm³/g

The residual water was removed from the material by an azeotropic strip (110° C., 3 h). The reaction temperature was cooled below 40° C. and 2-[methoxy(polyethyleneoxy)₆₋₉ propyl]tris(dimethylamino)silane (8 μmol/m²) was added. The reaction was stirred for 5 min and the temperature was increased to 110° C. for 20 h. The reaction was then cooled to room temperature and the particles were isolated via filtration. The particles were subsequently washed using the following sequence: 7× toluene, 1× acetone, 6× acetone/water (1:1 v/v), and 2× acetone. The particles were then dispersed in the solution of acetone (8.2 mL/g particle) and 0.12 M ammonium acetate solution (1.8 mL/g particle) and the mixture was stirred at 59° C. for 2 h. The reaction was then cooled below 40° C. and the particles were isolated via filtration. The isolated particles were subsequently washed three times with acetone/water (1:1 v/v) and twice with acetone, then dried at 70° C. for 16 h under vacuum. The surface coverage of the modified particles was 2.05 μmol/m². The methoxy-terminated PEG bonded stationary phase particles were loaded in a 4.6×150 mm column.

Example 9. Reference Methoxy-Terminated PEG, Inorganic-Organic Hybrid Ethylene Bridged Particles, Average Pore Diameter of 200 Å

A reference stationary phase comprising methoxy-terminated polyethylene glycol (PEG) bonded inorganic-organic hybrid ethylene bridged particles. The organic/inorganic hybrid particles with an empirical formula SiO₂(O_(1.5)SiCH₂CH₂SiO_(1.5))_(0.25) were synthesized in a sol-gel synthesis by the co-condensation of 1,2-bis(triethoxysilyl)ethane (BTEE) with tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) using the procedures reported in Wyndham et al., Analytical Chemistry 2003, 75, 6781-6788 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,686,035, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The obtained inorganic-organic hybrid ethylene bridged particles had an average particle size of 1.7 μm and an average pore diameter of 200 Å. The surface area was 217 m²/g, and the pore volume was 1.31 cm³/g.

The residual water was removed from the material by an azeotropic strip (110° C., 3 h). The reaction temperature was cooled below 40° C. and 2-[methoxy(polyethyleneoxy)₆₋₉ propyl]tris(dimethylamino)silane (8 μmol/m²) was added. The reaction was stirred for 5 min and the temperature was increased to 110° C. for 20 h. The reaction was then cooled to room temperature and the particles were isolated via filtration. The particles were subsequently washed using the following sequence: 7× toluene, 1× acetone, 6× acetone/water (1:1 v/v), and 2× acetone. The particles were then dispersed in the solution of acetone (8.2 mL/g particle) and 0.12 M ammonium acetate solution (1.8 mL/g particle) and the mixture was stirred at 59° C. for 2 h. The reaction was then cooled below 40° C. and the particles were isolated via filtration. The isolated particles were subsequently washed three times with acetone/water (1:1 v/v) and twice with acetone, then dried at 70° C. for 16 h under vacuum. The surface coverage of the modified particles was 2.40 μmol/m². The methoxy-terminated PEG bonded stationary phase particles were loaded in a 4.6×150 mm column.

TABLE 2 Stationary phase material properties. Stationary Pore Surface Example Phase Particle Diameter Coverage # Material Size (μ) (Å) Surface Modification (μmol/m²) 1 Inorganic- 1.7 270 HO-PEG(8-12 1.73 Organic EO)propyltriethoxysilane Hybrid bonded Ethylene Bridged Particles 2 Inorganic- 1.9 200 HO-PEG(8-12 1.79 Organic EO)propyltriethoxysilane Hybrid bonded Ethylene Bridged Particles 3 Inorganic- 1.7 125 HO-PEG(8-12 1.58 Organic EO)propyltriethoxysilane Hybrid bonded Ethylene Bridged Particles 4 Inorganic- 1.7 270 HO-PEG(8-12 1.1 Organic EO)propyltriethoxysilane Hybrid coated Ethylene Bridged Particles 5 Inorganic- 1.7 270 HO-PEG(8-12 0.86 Organic EO)propyltriethoxysilane/TEOS Hybrid coated Ethylene Bridged Particles 6 Inorganic- 1.7 270 HO-PEG(8-12 1.08 Organic EO)propyltriethoxysilane coated/ Hybrid MeO-PEG(6-9 Ethylene EO)propyltris(dimethylamino)silane Bridged bonded Particles 7 Inorganic- 1.7 270 HO-PEG(8-12 1.03 Organic EO)propyltriethoxysilane/TEOS Hybrid coated/MeO-PEG(6-9 Ethylene EO)propyltris(dimethylamino)silane Bridged bonded Particles 8 (Ref) Inorganic- 1.7 270 MeO-PEG(6-9 2.05 Organic EO)propyltris(dimethylamino)silane Hybrid bonded Ethylene Bridged Particles 9 (Ref) Inorganic- 1.7 200 MeO-PEG(6-9 2.40 Organic EO)propyltris(dimethylamino)silane Hybrid bonded Ethylene Bridged Particles

Results Example 10. NISTmAb and Kadcyla Analytes, Separation on SEC Column of Example 1

The chromatographic performance of the prototype SEC column of Example 1 was evaluated for NISTmAb and Kadcyla analytes. The mobile phase components comprised 100 mM sodium phosphate dibasic buffer, 200 mM NaCl, 15% aqueous acetonitrile, and water. The mobile phase components were adjusted to provide 0, 50, 100, and 200 mM NaCl concentrations for the ionic interaction test with NISTmAb, and concentrations of 0, 5, 10, or 15% acetonitrile for the hydrophobic interaction test with Kadcyla, each at a pH of 6.8. The respective analyte (1 uL) was injected in the mobile phase.

The results are provided in FIGS. 1A and 1B (NISTmAb and Kadcyla, respectively). No significant secondary interactions for either NISTmAb or Kadcyla were observed on the stationary phase. To quantitate the ionic and hydrophobic secondary interactions, the % change in USP tailing for NISTmAb and Kadcyla were each calculated. For USP tailing, asymmetry @4.4 and width @50% of the Kadcyla peak at 15% acetonitrile concentration in mobile phase was also calculated to characterize improvements in peak shape (Table 3).

TABLE 3 Peak shape results for Example 1. NISTmAb Kadcyla Kadcyla, 15% acetonitrile % Change in % Change in USP Asymmetry Width Column USP Tailing^(†) USP Tailing* Tailing @4.4 @50% Example 1 −1 −9 1.64 2.33 0.12 ^(†)% change in USP tailing between 0 and 200 mM NaCl *% change in USP tailing between 0% and 15% acetonitrile

Example 11. Kadcyla Separation on SEC Column of Example 1 and a Reference BEH270 Column (Example 8)

The chromatographic performance of the prototype SEC column of Example 1 was evaluated for hydrophobic interactions with Kadcyla, and compared with the performance of a reference methoxy-terminated column (Example 8). Example 1, as noted above, consisted only of hydroxy-terminated PEG bonding (i.e., no methoxy-terminated PEG groups were present). The mobile phase components comprised 100 mM sodium phosphate dibasic buffer, 200 mM NaCl, 15% aqueous acetonitrile, and water. The mobile phase components were adjusted to provide concentrations of 0, 5, 10, or 15% acetonitrile at a pH of 6.8. The Kadcyla analyte (1 uL) was injected in the mobile phase.

In addition to better performance with respect to hydrophobic secondary interactions, a lower % change in USP tailing was observed with increasing acetonitrile content. A significant improvement in terms of peak shape was observed for the SEC performed on the column of Example 1 as compared to the reference (Example 8) column (FIGS. 2A and 2B, respectively). There was a decrease in tailing, asymmetry, and peak width at half height for the Kadcyla peak for the separation using 15% acetonitrile Example 1 as compared to the reference (Example 8), as shown in Table 4, demonstrating the improvement in peak shape for hydroxy-terminated versus methoxy-terminated PEG modification.

TABLE 4 Peak shape results for Examples 1 and 8. Kadcyla Kadcyla, 15% acetonitrile % Change in USP Asymmetry Width Column USP Tailing* Tailing @4.4 @50% Example 1 −9 1.64 2.33 0.12 Example 8 (Ref) −15 2.20 3.46 0.18 *% change in USP tailing between 0% and 15% acetonitrile

Example 12. Kadcyla Separation on SEC Column of Examples 6 and 7

The chromatographic performance of the prototype SEC column of Examples 6 and 7 were evaluated for hydrophobic interactions with Kadcyla. As noted above, Example 6 and 7 comprise hydroxy-terminated PEG coatings (with and without TEOS modification, respectively), and further comprise methoxy-terminated PEG bonding. The mobile phase components comprised 100 mM sodium phosphate dibasic buffer, 200 mM NaCl, 15% aqueous acetonitrile, and water. The mobile phase components were adjusted to provide concentrations of 0, 5, 10, or 15% acetonitrile at a pH of 6.8. The Kadcyla analyte (1 uL) was injected in the mobile phase.

As shown in Table 5 and FIGS. 2C and 2D, the hydroxy-terminated PEG coated (with and without TEOS), methoxy-terminated PEG bonded combination surfaces (Example 6 and Example 7) showed similar hydrophobic secondary interaction performances to the hydroxy-terminated (Example 1) and methoxy-terminated PEG (Example 8) modified surfaces according to the Kadcyla % change in USP tailing data with increasing acetonitrile. On the other hand, the Kadcyla peak data of Example 1, Example 6, Example 7, and Example 8 at 15% acetonitrile (USP tailing, asymmetry @4.4 and width @ 50%) showed that efficiency and chromatographic performance of the column increased with increasing surface coverage of hydroxy-terminated PEG on the surface.

TABLE 5 Peak shape results for Examples 6 and 7. Kadcyla Kadcyla, 15% acetonitrile % Change in USP Asymmetry Width Column USP Tailing* Tailing @4.4 @50% Example 1 −9 1.64 2.33 0.12 Example 6 −12 1.66 2.37 0.14 Example 7 −20 1.74 2.53 0.13 *% change in USP tailing between 0% and 15% acetonitrile

Example 13. Kadcyla Separation on SEC Column of Example 2, Reference BEH200 Column (Example 9), and a Reference Diol-Bonded BEH200 Column

The chromatographic performance of the prototype SEC column of Example 2 was evaluated for Kadcyla, and compared with the performance of Example 9 (Ref) as well as a commercial reference diol-bonded BEH200 column (Waters Corp., Milford, Mass.). The mobile phase components comprised 100 mM sodium phosphate dibasic buffer, 200 mM NaCl, 15% aqueous acetonitrile, and water. The mobile phase components were adjusted to provide concentrations of 0, 5, 10, or 15% acetonitrile at a pH of 6.8. The Kadcyla analyte (1 uL) was injected in the mobile phase.

A similar improvement in Kadcyla peak for the SEC on the column of Example 2 was observed as compared to both Reference columns (FIG. 3A vs FIGS. 3B and 3C, respectively). Example 2 showed a 22% decrease in USP tailing, a 31% decrease in asymmetry @4.4 and 35% reduction in width at half height, compared to Example 9 according to the Kadcyla peak data at 15% acetonitrile, as shown in Table 6. Although the commercial reference diol-bonded BEH200 column showed less tailing, asymmetry and width @50% compared to Example 2, its hydrophobic secondary interaction result according to % change in USP tailing with increasing acetonitrile % in the mobile phase was not acceptable.

TABLE 6 Peak shape results for Example 2 and Two Reference Columns. Kadcyla Kadcyla, 15% acetonitrile % Change in USP Asymmetry Width Column USP Tailing* Tailing @4.4 @50% Example 2 −7 1.44 1.90 0.11 Example 9 −12 1.85 2.76 0.17 (Ref) Reference −58 1.23 1.47 0.09 BEH200 *% change in USP tailing between 0% and 15% acetonitrile

Example 14. NISTmAb and Kadcyla Analytes, Separation on SEC Column of Example 3 and a Reference Diol-Bonded SEC125 Column

The chromatographic performance of the prototype SEC column of Example 3 was evaluated for NISTmAb and Kadcyla, and compared with the performance of a reference diol-bonded BEH SEC125 column (Waters Corp., Milford, Mass.). The mobile phase components comprised 100 mM sodium phosphate dibasic buffer, 200 mM NaCl, 15% aqueous acetonitrile, and water. The mobile phase components were adjusted to provide 0, 50, 100, and 200 mM NaCl concentrations for the ionic interaction test (NISTmAb), and concentrations of 0, 5, 10, or 15% acetonitrile for the hydrophobic interaction test (Kadcyla), each at a pH of 6.8. The NISTmAb and Kadcyla analytes (1 uL) were injected in the mobile phase.

The results for these experiments (FIGS. 4A-4D) demonstrated that the hydroxy-terminated PEG surface modification was also compatible with a narrower pore diameter material. Specifically, the column of Example 3 showed significant improvement in the SEC of both analytes when compared to the commercially available diol-bonded SEC125 reference column (FIGS. 4A and 4C versus FIGS. 4B and 4D, respectively). The peak shape results are provided in Table 7.

TABLE 7 Peak shape results for Example 3 and Reference Column. NISTmAb Kadcyla Kadcyla, 15% acetonitrile % Change in % Change in USP Asymmetry Width Column USP Tailing^(†) USP Tailing* Tailing @4.4 @50% Example 3 −10 −13 1.74 2.52 0.04 Reference −24 −18 2.86 4.83 0.06 SEC125 ^(†)% change in USP tailing between 0 and 200 mM NaCl *% change in USP tailing between 0% and 15% acetonitrile

Results Summary

Overall, the prototype hydroxy-terminated PEG columns (Examples 1, 2, 3, 6, and 7) provided comparable reductions in ionic and hydrophobic secondary interaction performance across a range of particle sizes. With respect to hydrophobic secondary interactions, the peak shape improvement of Kadcyla was consistent over a pore diameter range of 125 to 270 Å on the prototype columns. For each prototype variant (HO-terminated PEG bonded and HO-terminated PEG coated, with and without TEOS), SEC performance for Kadcyla was improved relative to commercial columns and reference columns (diol bonded or methoxy-terminated PEG bonded).

Example 15. Effect of Organic Co-Solvent in Mobile Phase and Column Temperature on Separation of Kadcyla Analyte on a Hydroxy-Terminated PEG Surface Modified Inorganic-Organic Hybrid SEC Column

Although primary mitigation of hydrophobicity in SEC separation is generally achieved through modification of both stationary phase and hardware surfaces, additional benefit may be realized through optimization of method parameters, including column temperature and selection of an organic co-solvent in the mobile phase. The addition of an organic co-solvent to a buffered mobile phase has been reported to aid in the suppression of hydrophobic secondary interactions. While this approach is commonly employed in protein SEC, special considerations must be made in the case of PEG-bonded stationary phases. For example, in the case of PEG modified stationary phase surfaces as described herein, conformational changes of the polymer chains can occur depending on method conditions, which can result in an increase in hydrophobic character of these surfaces. In many SEC applications, these effects may not be pronounced enough to have a deleterious effect on chromatography. Characterization of ADC's, however, can be significantly affected, resulting in poor peak shape and thus lower resolution. Accordingly, separations of a representative ADC (Kadcyla) were performed under various column temperatures, and in the presence of an organic co-solvent.

For the temperature study, Kadcyla samples were subjected to SEC on a 4.6×300 mm column packed with 2.5 μm hydroxy-terminated PEG surface modified inorganic-organic hybrid particles with average pore sizes of 270 Å. The separations were performed using a Waters ACQUITY H-Class Bio system. The flow rate was 0.20 mL/min, the column temperature was as indicated, detection was at 280 nm, and the mobile phase was 2× phosphate buffered saline (PBS). Kadcyla concentration was 5 mg/mL, and injection volume was 2.5 μL. The separations were conducted at column temperatures of 21° C. (ambient), 35° C., 45° C., and again at 21° C.

The results are provided in FIGS. 5A-5H and FIG. 6, which show that monomer peak efficiency was highest at the low temperature of 21° C. (FIG. 6). As column temperature was increased to 35 and then 45° C., efficiency decreased and peak tailing increased significantly, indicating increased hydrophobic interactions (FIGS. 5B and 5F and FIGS. 5C and 5G, respectively). Repeat testing at 21° C. (i.e., following the higher temperature separations; FIGS. 5D and 5H) proved that column stability was maintained throughout the experiment. These results suggest that even higher monomer peak efficiency may be obtained using sub-ambient column temperatures. The loss of efficiency at higher separation temperatures was particularly surprising, as most antibodies show improved efficiency with higher temperatures, albeit antibodies are generally not as hydrophobic as ADCs. Without wishing to be bound by any particular theory, it is believed that PEG segment hydration is beneficial in separation of hydrophobic analytes such as ADC's, creating a hydrophilic and thus repulsive environment for ADC's. At elevated temperatures, water is more easily displaced, resulting in a more hydrophobic conformation of the PEG chains, thus allowing the ADC to interact undesirably with the new PEG surface conformation.

For the co-solvent study, Kadcyla samples were subjected to SEC on a 4.6×150 mm column packed with 1.7 μm hydroxy-terminated PEG surface modified inorganic-organic hybrid particles with average pore sizes of 270 Å. The separations were performed using a Waters ACQUITY H-Class Bio system. The flow rate was 0.35 mL/min, the column temperature was 30° C., detection was at 280 nm, and the mobile phase was 100 mM sodium phosphate dibasic and 200 mM NaCl pH 6.8 w/organic co-solvent as indicated. Kadcyla concentration was 5 mg/mL, and injection volume was 1 μL. The separations were conducted in the presence of isopropanol or acetonitrile as co-solvent at various concentrations (0-15% by volume).

The results are provided in FIGS. 7, 8, and 9, which show that there is a clear advantage to using 2-propanol over acetonitrile. For Kadcyla, 5-sigma efficiencies increase dramatically with the addition of as little as 5% of 2-propanol, while efficiency remains relatively unchanged with the addition of up to 15% acetonitrile (FIG. 9). This result is surprising, as diol coated SEC particles that are representative of current state of the art tend to show dependence and chromatographic changes with the addition of either solvent. Furthermore, because the benefit is realized on the hydroxyl-terminated PEG bonded phase with such a low level of 2-propanol, denaturation of proteins can be avoided, and viscosity effects on column back pressure are minimal. While not wishing to be bound by any particular theory, it is believed that selecting a polar protic solvent, as opposed to an aprotic solvent like acetonitrile, may assist in both PEG segment hydration, as well as in reducing the ADC's propensity for binding to hydrophobic sites. 

1. A stationary phase material comprising porous particles having a surface, at least some substantial portion thereof modified with a hydroxy-terminated polyethylene glycol, wherein the porous particles comprise an inorganic-organic hybrid material.
 2. The stationary phase material of claim 1, wherein the porous particles comprise inorganic-organic hybrid ethylene bridged particles having an empirical formula of SiO₂(O_(1.5)SiCH₂CH₂SiO_(1.5))_(0.25).
 3. The stationary phase material of claim 1, wherein the porous particles have a diameter with a mean size distribution from about 1 to about 50 μm.
 4. The stationary phase material of claim 1, wherein the porous particles have a diameter with a mean size distribution from about 1 to about 20 μm.
 5. The stationary phase material of claim 1, wherein the porous particles have a diameter with a mean size distribution from about 1.5 to about 5 μm.
 6. The stationary phase material of claim 1, wherein the porous particles have an average pore size from about 40 to about 1000 Å, from about 100 to about 500 Å, or from about 100 to about 300 Å.
 7. The stationary phase material of claim 1, wherein the hydroxy-terminated polyethylene glycol has a formula

wherein: m is an integer from about 1 to about 10; n is an integer from about 2 to about 50; and wherein the wavy lines indicate points of attachment to the surface of the porous particles.
 8. The stationary phase material of claim 7, wherein m is 2 or
 3. 9. The stationary phase material of claim 7, wherein n is from about 5 to about 15, or from about 8 to about
 12. 10. The stationary phase material of claim 7, wherein m is 3 and n is from about 8 to about
 12. 11. The stationary phase material of claim 1, wherein the hydroxy-terminated polyethylene glycol is present on the surface of the porous particles at a density from about 0.5 to about 15 μmol/m².
 12. The stationary phase material of claim 11, wherein the hydroxy-terminated polyethylene glycol is present on the surface of the porous particles at a density from about 0.5 to about 5, or from about 1.0 to about 2.0 μmol/m².
 13. The stationary phase material of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the surface of the porous particles modified with the hydroxy-terminated polyethylene glycol comprises a structure represented by one of formulae


14. A column comprising the stationary phase material of claim 1, the column having an interior for accepting the stationary phase material.
 15. The column of claim 14, wherein, as compared to a reference column having a stationary phase comprising porous particles which do not have a hydroxy-terminated polyethylene glycol modified surface, the column provides one or more of: a reduction in ionic secondary interactions of analytes with the stationary phase material in size exclusion chromatography separations performed on said column; a reduction in hydrophobic secondary interactions of analytes with the stationary phase material in size exclusion chromatography separations performed on said column; a reduced dependence on mobile phase pH in size exclusion chromatography separations performed on said column; a reduced dependence on column temperature in size exclusion chromatography separations performed on said column; wherein said reductions are determined by an improvement in peak shape as calculated from USP Peak Tailing, Asymmetry @ 4.4, Peak Width @ 50%, or a combination thereof.
 16. The column of claim 14, wherein, as compared to a reference column having a stationary phase comprising porous particles which do not have a hydroxy-terminated polyethylene glycol modified surface, the column provides one or more of: enhanced peak resolution in size exclusion chromatography separations performed on said column; enhanced reproducibility of size exclusion chromatography separations performed on said column. 